Chicago Considers Expanding With Three New Casinos

Chicago, Illinois is worried about becoming a mini-Vegas style community, however, the plans are for Chicago to grant licenses for three new casinos in the city.

Illinois is considering licensing three new casinos, including one in Chicago, and more than doubling the number of slot machines permitted instate in order to address huge shortfalls in the state budget. Public works projects passed in the last few years have been waiting for funding, and many in the state legislature feel gambling is the most sure and pain-free source for new revenue in the cash-short state.

State Representative Lisa Dugan has led opposition to the casino plan, expressing worry that Illinois might become “little Nevada”; but a proposal for another way to fill the funding gap has not been forthcoming.

Also concerned are three towns neighboring Chicago that rely on income from riverboat gambling.

Aurora, Elgin, and Joliet estimate they might lose up to 15% of their current gambling intake if a land-based Chicago casino were established. However, legislators told town officials they were aware of the possible effects on the towns’ budgets and would incorporate measures in any casino legislation to protect the municipalities.