SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Latest on legislative action in Springfield (all times local):
An Illinois Senate committee is considering a massive expansion of riverboat casino gambling as part of a legislative package to break a state budget logjam.
The Senate Gaming Committee took testimony Wednesday on the plan permit casinos in Chicago and five other locations. It would OK slot machines at Illinois’ remaining horse-racing tracks.
Similar gambling expansion plans got legislative approval but former Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn rejected them. GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner is open to more casinos if communities want them.
Licensing fees would help pay the state’s bills. Other revenue would go for education. The land-based Chicago casino’s profits would bolster the city’s police and fire pension accounts.
Critics are worried about public safety and an already saturated gambling market because of the explosion of video poker.
___
