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Winners and losers / 2 decades after Chicago area was dealt 1st casino, the bet on gambling has paid off for some, been costly for others
The first suburban Chicago casino opened 20 years ago this month, bringing with it hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in taxes, but also stories of gambling addiction and hardship for some area residents.  Illinois Gaming5/21/2013
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Gov. Quinn, Emanuel’s administration haggle over corruption in casino debate
(Illinois) -- The question over who can be trusted to oversee a City-owned casino had Gov. Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel pointing fingers and wrangling over whether...
5/20/2013
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Quinn: pension reform before gambling expansion
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday put a finer point on a notion he's been pushing this spring: no gambling expansion will happen without comprehensive changes...
5/18/2013
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My View: A rare opportunity to turn gaming spoils into investment
(Illinois) -- Larry and Scott differ regarding how they want the spoils from the proposed casino to be distributed to the city and the county. “Spoils” means...
5/17/2013
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Lawmakers plan to introduce legislation to force a casino conversation in Rockford
(Illinois) -- Casino talk between local leaders has stalled and now Illinois lawmakers are hoping new language added to the casino bill will force a conversation.
5/16/2013
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BLOG: llinois Internet Gaming Bill Said To Be On The Way
(Illinois) -- When a casino expansion bill passed the Illinois State Senate at the beginning of this month, it did so without an Internet gaming component that had, at...
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Guest Column: Big Gambling’s role in state budget crisis
(Illinois) -- If during the last 23 years Illinois had taxed Big Gambling at comparable rates to other states, then Illinois would have had an additional $35 billion to...
5/15/2013
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Area chambers of commerce team up against Illinois casino expansion
(Illinois) -- The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with other area chamber leaders to fight gambling expansion in the state.
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Area chambers oppose gambling expansion
(Illinois) -- Area chambers of commerce have joined forces to fight gambling expansion in the state. All of the chambers are located in or near towns that have casinos.
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Senate Approves Refined Gambling Expansion Bill
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Senate has approved a refined gambling expansion plan adding five new casinos including one in Chicago.
5/14/2013
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Bill would authorize Chicago lakeboat casino
(Illinois) -- There's a fascinating clause in gambling expansion that's pending in Springfield, one that would give Chicago not only a casino but authority for a...
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Changes coming to Illinois gambling plan
(Illinois) -- Lawmakers could try to add ethics measures and reconsider putting slot machines at the Chicago airports in an effort to get Gov. Pat Quinn to back a...
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Chicago voters hedge bets on city casino
(Illinois) -- Chicago voters remain lukewarm to Mayor Rahm Emanuel's push for a city casino and aren't sold on his plan to put slot machines at the airports, a...
5/13/2013
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Chuck Sweeny: Sen. Dave Syverson urges end to local casino tax fight
(Illinois) -- Rockford and Winnebago County are squabbling (what else is new?) over how much money each government should get if lawmakers pass and Gov. Pat Quinn signs...
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Third Time Charm?
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Senate recently voted 32-20 to send an expanded gambling bill, SB1739, to the House Rules Committee. The measure would allow a 4,000-game...
5/12/2013
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Editorial: How about a Madigan casino plan?
(Illinois) -- Suppose you were writing legislation that would increase from 10 to 23 the number of casinos in your state. You need to win over a governor who has vetoed...
5/9/2013
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Would a Successful Chicago Casino Require a Terrible Building?
(Illinois) -- The state's gambling expansion continues to roll -- like an ocean, specifically, with waves of support building up, crashing against the governor and/...
5/8/2013
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'Clearly one-sided': Rockford leaders call for 70% of casino cash
(Illinois) -- As momentum grows in Springfield over a bill that would give Rockford a casino, the fight here begins for how to split the potential revenue.
5/6/2013
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Emanuel, Illinois lawmakers make case for Chicago casino
(Illinois) -- Visitors to the nation’s third-largest city are usually spotted wandering the Magnificent Mile, snapping pictures of the Willis Tower and sampling...
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Gaming regulator doesn’t agree with expansion plan
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Gaming Board's chairman says changes made to a proposed gambling expansion bill are merely cosmetic.
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Illinois Governor Happier With Latest Casino Gambling Bill
(Illinois) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn reportedly is happier with the latest version of a gambling expansion proposal that is currently working its way through the...
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New group to raise awareness of problem gambling
(Illinois) -- Representatives from Illinois' gaming industry and the addiction treatment community are teaming up to raise awareness of problem gambling.
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Quinn On Gambling Expansion Bill
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn likes what he is seeing so far on a gambling expansion bill that passed out of the Senate. Quinn says the bill does address many of his...
5/5/2013
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Chicago suburbs ready to play for new casinos
(Illinois) -- While lawmakers debate a plan to expand gambling in Illinois, some Chicago suburbs are already jockeying to cash in as hosts to the next generation of...
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Gaming regulator doesn't agree with expansion plan
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Gaming Board's chairman says changes made to a proposed gambling expansion bill are merely cosmetic. Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Aaron...
5/4/2013
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Illinois Gambling Expansion Bill
(Illinois) -- Governor Quinn is still not signing the third version of the gambling expansion bill passed by Illinois senators. This is in spite of the amendments made...
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Illinois Governor Skirts Around Gambling Expansion Issue
(Illinois) -- Despite significant changes made by lawmakers on the Illinois gambling expansion bill, including removing all traces the mention of online gambling,...
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Slot machines on the brain for those at Arlington track on opening day
(Illinois) -- About a hundred people peered out from the stands on opening day at Arlington International Racecourse Friday afternoon -- the festive atmosphere coming at...
5/3/2013
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Chicago's mayor, Illinois lawmakers make case for Second City casino
(Illinois) -- Visitors to the nation's third-largest city are usually spotted wandering the Magnificent Mile, snapping pictures of the Willis Tower and sampling...
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Lake County lawmakers clash over casino
(Illinois) -- State Sen. Melinda Bush, a Grayslake Democrat, voted against a sweeping gambling expansion plan this week because she said it funnels money to pet projects...
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Mayor, Ill. lawmakers make case for Chicago casino
(Illinois) -- Chicago tourists are usually spotted on Michigan Avenue and around the Willis Tower. But if some lawmakers and Mayor Rahm Emanuel get their way, a casino...
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Quinn leery of gambling expansion loopholes
(Illinois) -- Repeated assurances by gambling expansion supporters that a Chicago casino would be under the strict supervision of the state's gambling regulators isn...
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Quinn reviewing airport gaming measure
(Illinois) -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he’ll be reviewing a new gambling expansion bill that passed the state senate this week. In particular the part...
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Quinn Wants More Changes To Gambling Expansion Bill
(Illinois) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said "progress has been made" on a gambling expansion bill that passed the Senate Wednesday, but pointed out that more...
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Regulator rips ‘cosmetic changes’ on Chicago casino in revised gambling bill
(Illinois) -- Illinois’ top gambling regulator Friday ripped revamped legislation to bring Chicago a casino, saying the bill’s architect made only “...
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What the New Illinois Gaming Bill Could Mean for You
(Illinois) -- You hear those bells and whistles? The gentle collision of dimes and quarters? It’s the sound of another push for expanded gaming in Illinois.
5/2/2013
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Emanuel pledges again: All casino revenue would go to schools
(Illinois) -- The same day that the Illinois State Senate passed another bill that would give Chicago its first casino, Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office posted a video...
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Illinois House next up for gambling bill
(Illinois) -- A gambling expansion package to bring a casino to Chicago is moving to the Illinois House after having survived a vote Wednesday by the Senate.
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Quinn says he's not quite there yet on gambling expansion
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn said today he wants more changes to the gambling expansion bill that passed the Senate as he acknowledged “progress has been made....
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Quinn wants to fine-tune gambling expansion bill
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn indicated Thursday that he wants changes to a major gambling expansion bill that has passed the Senate, though he didn't offer specifics...
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New gambling expansion plan clears Senate
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Senate Wednesday passed a gambling expansion package to bring a casino to Chicago and appease ethics questions raised by Gov. Pat Quinn and...
5/1/2013
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Chicago a step closer to getting casino
(Illinois) -- It's baaaaaaack! Once again, a bill that would substantially expand legal gambling in Illinois and bring a casino to Chicago is moving in Springfield.
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Editorial: A better gaming bill
(Illinois) -- Illinois is closing in on a bill to expand casino gambling in a well-regulated way that could generate millions of dollars for cash-starved governments....
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Gambling expansion advances from Illinois Senate
(Illinois) -- Once again, the Illinois Senate has approved a massive gambling expansion plan that will bring five new casinos to the state and slot machines to horse...
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Illinois Senate approves bill to refine gambling expansion plan
(Illinois) -- A refined plan to add more casinos and slot machines in Illinois — clarified to quell concerns over who would control a Chicago casino — was...
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Illinois Senate Approves Gambling Bill, Axes Internet Provisions [sub. req'd]
(Illinois) -- After the withdrawal of an Internet gambling provision, a bill allowing five new casinos in Illinois, including one in Chicago, passed the state Senate on...
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Illinois Senate passes gambling bill with Chicago casino
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would bring much-need revenue to the cash-strapped state by expanding gambling and giving Chicago its...
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Illinois Senate Passes Gaming Bill
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Senate passed a gambling expansion bill Wednesday that would bring five new casinos to the state, including one in Chicago.
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Latest gambling expansion for Illinois surfaces, with Emanuel push
(Illinois) -- A renewed push for major gambling expansion in Illinois swiftly passed the Senate on Wednesday as Mayor Rahm Emanuel threw his weight behind the effort...
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Senate OKs huge gambling plan
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Senate approved a large-scale, contentious, gambling proposal Wednesday that would allow for five new Illinois casinos, including ones in Lake...
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BLOG: Will Rockford get its casino license?
(Illinois) -- Could a casino finally be in the cards finally be in the cards for Rockford? Maybe. The city has been down this road too many times to mention and has...
4/30/2013
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IL Racing Threatened by Legislative Stalling
(Illinois) -- Illinois racing dates may be vacated and laboratory operations curtailed if the state legislature does not quickly reauthorize advance deposit wagering,...
4/29/2013
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OP/ED; State should pay debt to racetracks
(Illinois) -- Why does the state of Illinois continue to break its promises to the horse racing industry? When Illinois’ first riverboat casinos went into...
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Illinois Lottery war puts state official under a microscope
(Illinois) -- As the top state official overseeing the Illinois Lottery, records show, Michael J. Jones has: Tried to get the private company that runs the lottery to...
4/26/2013
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Head of Illinois gaming board opposed to gambling bill
(Illinois) -- Supporters of gambling expansion are refining legislation to improve its chances, but the Illinois Gaming Board chairman still has major concerns.
4/25/2013
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Head of IL Gaming Board Opposed to Gambling Bill
(Illinois) -- Supporters of gambling expansion are refining legislation to improve its chances, but the Illinois Gaming Board chairman still has major concerns.
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Senate working to improve odds for gambling bill
(Illinois) -- Supporters of a proposal to expand gambling in Illinois are tweaking the legislation in hopes of improving its chances with the Legislature and Gov. Pat...
4/22/2013
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Churchill Downs' Arlington Park Jeopardizing Illinois Gaming Expansion
(Illinois) -- As shareholders of Churchill Downs Inc. gather Tuesday at Arlington Park, the flagship Illinois horse racing track and a CDI property, Arlington is backing...
4/15/2013
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Gaming board, lawmakers aim to overcome insults
(Illinois) -- State regulators and pro-gambling lawmakers are cautiously pledging to try working together to address differences that have helped defeat two consecutive...
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Editorial: Push for more gambling needs shove
(Illinois) -- There may be no sure thing in gambling, but in Illinois politics, you can bet that any attempt to expand legalized gaming will be lengthy and confusing.
4/14/2013
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Editorial: Quinn’s gambling proposal a good bet for Illinois
(Illinois) -- About 18 months ago, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn gave those seeking gambling expansion a framework for how to structure future legislation.
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Erickson: Sides lining up on state gambling bill
(Illinois) -- The legislature’s annual dalliance with a massive expansion of gambling was on display Wednesday when Democrats who control the Senate held a hearing...
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Gaming board, lawmakers aim to overcome insults
(Illinois) -- A verbal fracas between state regulators and pro-gambling lawmakers - including an exchange of insults and accusations as if they were children in a...
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Illinois Gaming Board Outlines Gambling Expansion Concerns
(Illinois) -- Representatives of the Illinois Gaming Board have outlined several concerns about the gambling expansion that is about to take place in the state.
4/12/2013
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Ethical Concerns Over Casino Gambling Expansion Bill
(Illinois) -- In an attempt to address Governor Quinn’s issue about the casino gambling expansion bill as one that lacks ethical protection, the senate committee...
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Ill. senators pose more gambling concerns
(Illinois) -- State gaming officials Wednesday raised questions about whether they would be able to adequately implement a massive gambling expansion pending in the...
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Senators Grill Gaming Board Chairman
(Illinois) -- Illinois senators hoping for input on how to finesse a casino expansion bill found gambling regulators not particularly helpful. Illinois Gaming Board...
4/11/2013
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Corruption Threatens Gambling Expansion in Illinois
(Illinois) -- Representatives of the Chicago Crime Commission and Illinois Gaming Control Board expressed concerns over efforts to expand gambling both online and live.
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Illinois senators clash with gambling regulator over Chicago casino
(Illinois) -- After years of trying to expand gambling in Illinois, those involved in negotiations are still bickering over basic elements of a bill in Springfield.
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Senators Clash With Gambling Regulators Over Chicago Casino
(Illinois) -- Members of the Illinois Senate clashed with gambling regulators Wednesday over a plan to put a casino in Chicago. But what started as a policy disagreement...
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Senators talking about gambling, corruption
(Illinois) -- Lawmakers were working Wednesday to overcome a major stumbling block to expanding gambling in Illinois as a key Senate committee called a hearing on...
4/10/2013
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Ill. senators take on concerns over more gambling
(Illinois) -- Illinois senators seeking to eliminate a major stumbling block to new casinos and slot machines in the state went toe-to-toe Wednesday with regulators who...
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Illinois gambling expansion gets heated in Springfield
(Illinois) -- A Wednesday hearing aimed at coming up with a new casino expansion bill erupted into a shout fest between a key senator and the chairman of the state's...
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State senators take on concerns over more gambling
(Illinois) -- State gaming officials Wednesday raised questions about whether they would be able to adequately implement a massive gambling expansion pending in the...
4/8/2013
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Fire at Rivers Casino slightly delays opening
(Illinois) -- A small fire behind a fireplace in the smoking lounge at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines temporarily delayed the casino's opening Sunday morning, Des...
4/7/2013
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Small fire delays opening of Rivers Casino
(Illinois) -- A small fire caused a slight interruption in the proceedings Sunday morning at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Des Plaines Fire Chief Alan Wax said casino...
4/3/2013
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Illinois Governor Shelves Signing of Bill to Legalize Online Gambling
(Illinois) -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is not signing the gambling expansion bill passed by lawmakers last week, not unless the State House and the Senate act on...
4/1/2013
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Gov. Quinn skeptical about gaming expansion
(Illinois) -- Lawmakers pushing to expand gambling in Illinois hope the third time is a charm with a more finely tuned proposal that could make Illinois the fourth state...
3/31/2013
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Gov skeptical about gaming expansion
(Illinois) -- Illinois lawmakers who want to expand gambling are hoping the third time is a charm. Gov. Pat Quinn has twice rejected plans that would add more casinos,...
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Slots in other cities a mix of good and bad
(Illinois) -- With a Chicago billionaire calling at Worcester City Hall to privately pitch his plan for a slots parlor here, and opponents going public on social media,...
3/29/2013
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Gov. skeptical of gaming expansion
(Illinois) -- Lawmakers pushing to expand gambling in Illinois hope the third time is a charm with a more finely tuned proposal that could make Illinois the fourth state...
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Gov. skeptical of gaming expansion
(Illinois) -- Lawmakers pushing to expand gambling in Illinois hope the third time is a charm with a more finely tuned proposal that could make Illinois the fourth state...
3/27/2013
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Algonquin poised to vote on video gambling ordinance
(Illinois) -- Village Board members are poised to vote on an ordinance next week that, if approved, would allow video gambling in town.
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Des Plaines Mayor Hopeful Turned On Casino: State Rep. Moylan
(Illinois) -- Former Des Plaines mayor and current State Rep. Marty Moylan this week charged that mayoral candidate Mark Walsten pressured high-level managers of Rivers...
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McDermott addresses reliance on gaming revenue in State of the City
(Illinois) -- The need to wean the city off its reliance of gaming revenue was central to Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.'s State of the City address he gave Wednesday to...
3/24/2013
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Des Plaines Mayor Hopefuls Battle Over Casino Deal, Time To Do Job
(Illinois) -- In the race to see who will lead Des Plaines for the next four years, 14 candidates running for city government spots gathered at city hall Thursday night...
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Winnebago County communities back 50-50 casino split
(Illinois) -- Communities across Winnebago County have supported a 50-50 split of cash from a potential Rockford casino. Elected leaders from Winnebago County, Loves...
3/20/2013
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Des Plaines Mayor Hopefuls Discuss Casino, Age Differences
(Illinois) -- Two of Des Plaines’ three mayoral contenders said this week that if elected they will pressure Rivers Casino to fulfill what they say were promises...
3/19/2013
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Des Plaines shortens lobbyist contracts but still approves them
(Illinois) -- Des Plaines officials agreed to extend contracts for two of the three lobbying firms hired to represent the city's interests in Springfield.
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Rockton Board supports casino revenue split
(Illinois) -- Another Winnebago County municipality votes to support a revenue split plan for a casino that doesn't even exist yet.
3/18/2013
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Elgin council to eye casino cash for nonprofits
(Illinois) -- The city council Wednesday evening will discuss two options for doling out Grand Victoria Casino tax money set aside to assist the city’s nonprofits.
3/16/2013
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Casino: Beavers lost nearly $500,00 gambling
(Illinois) -- A former casino employee has testified at a Cook County commissioner's tax-evasion trial that the Chicago Democrat lost nearly $500,000 over three...
3/15/2013
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Beavers earned high-roller status at casino, witness says
(Illinois) -- His gambling record may have been abysmal, but William Beavers certainly was a player. The Cook County commissioner pushed $500,000 through slot machines...
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Casino: Politician lost $500,000 on slot machines
(Illinois) -- A powerful Chicago politician who earns just a five-figure salary gambled away nearly $500,000 playing slot machines over three years at a single casino,...
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Court told Beavers gambled $500,000 a year
(Illinois) -- Cook County Commissioner William Beavers earned the highest VIP status in the 7 Star Club and had access to the most exclusive slot room at Horseshoe...
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Casino? Roscoe Village president says 'yes please'
(Illinois) -- State senator Dave Syverson wants it to be split 50/50 between the city of Rockford and Winnebago County, an idea mayor Larry Morrissey is balking at.
3/14/2013
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Another Illinois Gaming Bill Passes Senate Committee
(Illinois) -- A law which would expand gaming in Illinois is a step closer to passage in the General Assembly. Former state lawmaker Bill Black, who now heads up the...
3/13/2013
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Emanuel: Chicago casino profits would go to schools
(Illinois) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel furthered his push for a Chicago casino by promising that all city profits from one would go to education, according to a report by NBC...
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Roscoe tries to get in on casino movement after amendment
(Illinois) -- Roscoe's village president thinks the small corner of Illinois could be a great home to a casino. In fact, he's already got a location in mind and...
3/12/2013
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Debate on How to Split Potential Casino Revenue in Rockford
(Illinois) -- Rockford's city council is pushing back against a proposal in the state senate that would evenly split gaming revenues between the city and Winnebago...
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Des Plaines 3rd Ward hopefuls weigh in on casino revenues, downtown
(Illinois) -- The two candidates vying to represent Des Plaines' 3rd Ward say managing casino revenues and improving the city's business climate are important...
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Emanuel: Use Chicago Casino Profits To Modernize Schools
(Illinois) -- While the Illinois General Assembly works to craft a gambling expansion bill that will either pass Gov. Pat Quinn's muster or, more likely, survive...
3/11/2013
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Casino revenue continues year-over-year slide in February; video gaming up again
(Illinois) -- The metro-east's two casinos in February saw another drop in revenue, compared to the same month last year.
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Revenues Drop at River Casino in February Compared with 2012
(Illinois) -- Illinois casinos as a group saw a drop in adjusted gross receipts in February 2013 compared with February 2012, and River Casino followed suit, according...
3/10/2013
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Lawmakers considering extra gambling options
(Illinois) -- Plans for casino expansion are getting even bigger during this session of the Illinois Legislature. A south suburban casino and slot machines at horse race...
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Top Illinois Newspaper Changes Stance On Proposed Gaming Legislation
(Illinois) -- The effects of a newly passed bill in an Illinois Senate committee are already being felt as a key Illinois newspaper has changed its position regarding...
3/9/2013
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Massive gambling package rolling again in Springfield
(Illinois) -- Just hours after Gov. Pat Quinn said any state revenue from new casinos should help finance public schools, a Senate panel endorsed a massive gambling...
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Our Opinion: Expand gambling, pay off back bills
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn’s budget would reduce the amount of unpaid bills incurred by the state from $8.7 billion in fiscal year 2012 to $6.8 billion at the...
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Chuck Sweeny: Rockford casino cash fight highlights age-old turf war
(Illinois) -- The out in the open battle between state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, and Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey over what to do with tax money from a future...
3/8/2013
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Des Plaines Casino's Gaming Dominance Grows
(Illinois) -- The Illinois Gaming Board has released the numbers for month of Febraury; and the Des Plaines casino is even more dominant this time around. The youngest...
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Gambling access is raising the stakes
(Illinois) -- Gambling is here to stay in Illinois and will likely grow, raising the prospect that more and more people will develop behavioral and financial problems...
3/7/2013
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Ill. Gov. Quinn Calls for Gaming Expansion
(Illinois) -- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who has vetoed two major gaming expansion plans within the past year, now suggests more gaming might help achieve his primary goal...
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New casino bill not sitting well with Rockford mayor
(Illinois) -- A new gambling Bill is in the works in Springfield, and in it a casino for Rockford. The new wording in the Bill will establish an independent group to...
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Senate committee OKs new gambling expansion bill
(Illinois) -- A new gambling expansion plan that calls for five new casinos and slot machines at Chicago airports won approval Thursday in the Illinois Senate Executive...
3/6/2013
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Elgin gives preliminary OK to video gambling
(Illinois) -- Elgin is in the final stretch of allowing video gambling to come to town, even though that might amount to a revenue loss for the city.
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Quinn says gambling could help pay for pensions, schools
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn, in his budget proposal to lawmakers Wednesday, suggested for the first time that money from new Illinois casinos could help pay for schools...
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Quinn: Any gambling revenue should go to schools
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn says that any state revenue from gambling should go toward education. Quinn delivered a budget address on Wednesday that includes $400...
3/5/2013
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Gambling Expansion Bill Vetoed By Quinn
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn, as expected, vetoed legislation yesterday that would allow a casino in Chicago and four other sites around Illinois, as well as allow slot...
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Gov. Quinn vetoes another casino bill; lawmakers likely to send another plan soon
(Illinois) -- As expected, Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed the latest casino expansion bill to reach his desk, but state lawmakers plan to get him a new bill shortly, according to...
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Des Plaines officials request deeper look at lobbying contracts
(Illinois) -- Des Plaines officials want a closer look at the city's contracts with the three lobbying firms hired, in part, to represent the city's interests in...
3/4/2013
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New Gambling Bill Expected This Week
(Illinois) -- Gambling expansion is being discussed again in Springfield. State Senator Dave Syverson tells us they’re reworking legislation to build a casino in...
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Quinn Vetoes 2-Year-Old Casino Expansion Plan
(Illinois) -- Slamming the measure as “excessive,” Gov. Pat Quinn has officially vetoed legislation that would have allowed five new casinos in Illinois,...
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Quinn vetoes 2011 gaming expansion legislation
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed a piece of old gambling legislation that would have added five new casinos and more slot machines.
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Quinn vetoes casino bill, but talks go on
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn, as expected, today once again vetoed a major gambling expansion bill passed by the General Assembly, citing ethical and other flaws.
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Quinn vetoes casino bill, pushing gaming expansion back to square one
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed legislation Monday that would have brought casinos to Chicago, the south suburbs and Downstate, arguing the 2011 measure that had...
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Quinn vetoes gambling bill, suggests he'd sign a different one
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed a second gambling bill Monday but left the door open to agreeing on a third attempt.
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Quinn vetoes gambling expansion plan
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn wiped the gambling slate clean Monday by formally vetoing legislation that would have paved the way for five new casinos and allowed slot...
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Quinn vetoes plan that would have put slots at Arlington Park
(Illinois) -- Gov. Pat Quinn today vetoed nearly 2-year-old legislation that would have allowed a casino in Lake County and 1,200 slot machines at Arlington Park.
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Details of Elgin’s video gaming rules emerge, ready for council vote Wednesday
(Illinois) -- Coming close to culminating a discussion it began last summer, the city council appears ready to move forward on allowing video gaming in places besides...
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Joliet: More video gambling on the way
(Illinois) -- Another storefront gambling parlor is on its way to Joliet. The Joliet City Council on Monday approved a liquor license for Bonny’s, which will go...
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Normal OKs fee for video gambling machines
(Illinois) -- Establishments cashing in on the video gambling machine craze will have to pay a little more out of pocket for the privilege if their business is in Normal.
3/2/2013
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Elburn might push back vote on video gambling
(Illinois) -- Village Board members may vote on whether to allow video gambling in Elburn, but that depends on whether two trustees attend Monday’s meeting.
2/28/2013
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Gamblers Beat The Odds At Crete Bar
(Illinois) -- Where’s the best place in Illinois to play those recently legalized video gambling games. CBS2’s Mike Parker found it. Welcome to Jason’s...
2/24/2013
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Moratorium on gambling licenses lifted
(Illinois) -- The city’s moratorium on video gambling license applications was lifted last week by the Washington City Council. But the accompanying stricter...
2/21/2013
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Does Rivers need a buffer from a Chicago casino?
(Illinois) -- As lawmakers debate whether to expand gambling in Illinois, state Rep. Marty Moylan is trying to keep any new Chicago casino from being built within 20...
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Is Park City out of the casino mix?
(Illinois) -- It remains to be seen what if anything will emerge on gambling expansion from the 98th General Assembly — something old, new or otherwise — but...
2/19/2013
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Casino giving up fight against video gambling?
(Illinois) -- Operators of Elgin's Grand Victoria Casino appeared resigned to accept the prospect of the city repealing its ban on video gambling, a move that could...
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Harrah's Metropolis Celebrates 20 Years in Operation
(Illinois) -- A big Metropolis attraction is celebrating a milestone. Harrah's Casino is marking 20 years in operation this week.
2/18/2013
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Gambling Bill Coming This Spring?
(Illinois) -- Rockford’s odds might be getting better on bringing in a casino. State Senator Dave Syverson tells us there has been some progress.
2/13/2013
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Casino seems to concede video gaming imminent in Elgin
(Illinois) -- With the city council set to look at an ordinance Feb. 27 that would allow video gaming at qualifying bars, restaurants and other establishments in town,...
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Grand Victoria OK with video gambling in Elgin
(Illinois) -- Much to the surprise — and relief — of Elgin's video gambling supporters, Grand Victoria Casino officials said Wednesday that they won'...
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Casino revenues drop; expert says local video games taking a bite out of profits
(Illinois) -- Revenue at the metro-east's two casinos fell in January from the previous month and from a year earlier, as it did at most of the state's other...
2/12/2013
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Casino revenues drop; expert says local video games taking a bite out of profits
(Illinois) -- Revenue at the metro-east's two casinos fell in January from the previous month and from a year earlier, as it did at most of the state's other...
2/10/2013
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Local governments cash in on gambling
(Illinois) -- A few businesses in Vermilion County aren’t the only ones to see additional money generated by the new video gaming machines in Illinois.
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Quinn Expected To Veto Gambling Bill
(Illinois) -- A gambling expansion bill is on the governor’s desk, but it’s not likely it will become law. A bill that would expand gambling by allowing the...
2/9/2013
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Casino revenues decline again
(Illinois) -- Illinois casino revenues trailed year-ago results for the fourth consecutive month in January, although Joliet casinos fared fairly well.
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Video gambling going mainstream
(Illinois) -- Video gambling is growing, and it will be moving closer to potential customers in Joliet this year. Gamblers in December wagered $900,000 at video poker...
2/8/2013
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$24.8 Million: City’s Casino Take From 2012, With $8.9 Million To Keep
(Illinois) -- Des Plaines saw $24.8 million in 2012 tax revenue from Rivers Casino fill city coffers. After paying the state and 10 low-income communities that are part...
2/7/2013
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Once opting out, communities now want video gaming
(Illinois) -- Video gaming arrived in Illinois with confusing fits and starts. Elgin was one of the largest communities to say, ''no thanks.'' But over...
2/6/2013
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Casino GM meets with Elgin city manager to discuss video gaming
(Illinois) -- City Manager Sean Stegall met with Grand Victoria Casino general manager Jim Thomason and two other casino staff for a half hour Wednesday afternoon to...
2/5/2013
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Board seeks gambling controls : Village continues east side development planning
(Illinois) -- The Tremont Village Board hopes to implement a village ordinance to give itself more control over video gambling while the board continues to work with J....
2/4/2013
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Gambling profits built on big losses
(Illinois) -- It's hard to get your arms around video gambling, it's so gigantic. State totals show $4.5 million played on 139 machines in the metro-east in...
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Video gambling paying off so far for Metro East businesses
(Illinois) -- Video gambling was promised to be a way for the state of Illinois and local governments to make money in tough economic times, and it turns out it’s...
2/3/2013
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Get answers to all your video gambling questions
(Illinois) -- Can you win money at a video gambling machine? Sure, but the machine is calibrated in such a way that, over the long run, the machine, the bar and the...
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Illinois bars already profiting from video gambling
(Illinois) -- Some Illinois bar owners say they're already making big profits from video gambling machines that became legal late last year, and pending applications...
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Video gambling already paying off for local bars
(Illinois) -- There's not much that separates Bob's Little Acre from the hundreds of other bars in the metro-east. A TV, a jukebox, pool table and a dart board...
1/31/2013
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Casinos down in 2012
(Illinois) -- Aurora’s Hollywood Casino continued to see revenue fall in 2012, but gambling revenue statewide shot up with the Des Plaines casino in operation for...
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Mayoral candidates discuss slots at Arlington Park
(Illinois) -- With one of the strongest proponents of slots at Arlington Park scheduled to leave office in April and no gambling bill yet signed in Springfield, eyes are...
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Racetrack casinos in Illinois long overdue
(Illinois) -- There has been much heated debate revolving around the topic of gaming expansion in Illinois in recent years. The only decision reached thus far was to...
1/29/2013
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Casino would improve odds for post office makeover
(Illinois) -- It’s been a year and a half since British investor Bill Davies unveiled massive plans for the old and unused Chicago Main Post Office that spans...
1/26/2013
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Godfrey residents to vote on video gambling
(Illinois) -- Opponents of video gambling in the village will get a chance to weigh in when an advisory question appears on April's ballot. The question will appear...
1/19/2013
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Some question need for more video gambling outlets
(Illinois) -- Springfield resident David Herren said he’s concerned about the city’s plan to rely on video gaming revenue to fix the city’s streets and...
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Video gambling money streams in
(Illinois) -- The slots are running hot at Road Ranger near Ottawa. The five video gambling machines at the truck stop at Route 71 and Interstate 80 in Ottawa drew $134,...
1/17/2013
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Elgin to hear push for video gambling
(Illinois) -- A group of Elgin establishments and organizations plans to ask the city council next week to allow video gambling in Elgin, arguing customers and members...
1/16/2013
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Prospect Hts. mayor, aldermen differ over possible gambling expansion
(Illinois) -- Prospect Heights Mayor Nick Helmer says he's pleased an "upscale" cafe is considering three sites in the city for one of its next locations,...
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Racing board says stop betting on horses online
(Illinois) -- Two companies offering online wagering for Illinois horse racing gamblers at tracks like Arlington Park have continued accepting bets despite warnings from...
1/15/2013
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Quinn: Pension reform before gambling expansion
(Illinois) -- Efforts by the legislature to expand casino gambling to Chicago and other locations is a secondary issue behind attempts to deal with the state’s...
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West Dundee to reconsider video gambling
(Illinois) -- West Dundee officials are starting to rethink the village's ban on video gambling and are scheduled to take another vote on the matter in February.
1/14/2013
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BLOG: Quinn will veto gaming bill
(Illinois) -- As if there was ever any doubt, Gov. Pat Quinn will veto the gaming bill that was finally released last week from a parliamentary hold…
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Illinois State Senator Expects ‘Rapid Pace’ For Gambling Bill
(Illinois) -- The sponsor of gambling legislation in the Illinois Senate is betting this will be the year the state approves new casinos.
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Video gambling boosts revenue at 3 county bars
(Illinois) -- Bar owners in DeKalb County had hoped to make more money after installing video gambling terminals in their establishments. Now there’s proof.
1/13/2013
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Another casino concern: 85 kids left alone in two-and-a-half-year period
(Illinois) -- Out for an evening walk in downtown Aurora with her four grandchildren, Mary J. Speropoulos felt the need to gamble. She couldn’t resist.
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Editorial: New casino games
(Illinois) -- Last Aug. 28, Gov. Pat Quinn explained why he was vetoing an ethically challenged gambling expansion bill: "We're not going to have loopholes for...
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Businesses awaiting approval of gaming licenses
(Illinois) -- Bob Foster of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 755 in Springfield said he had mixed emotions when he heard that the Champaign American Legion Post was reaping...
1/12/2013
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Quinn has gambling expansion bill
(Illinois) -- A gambling expansion bill that passed the Legislature more than 18 months ago is finally on Gov. Pat Quinn's desk, but a primary supporter say it's...
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New Video Gambling Parlor Opens in Machesney Park
(Illinois) -- There's a new place to press your luck at video gaming. Bet EZ Video Poker in Machesney Park allows residents to gamble without heading to the bar or...
1/11/2013
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Casino revenue up in IL in 2012, but still way down compared to 2007
(Illinois) -- Revenue at the state’s 10 casinos is still not meeting pre-recession levels. According to a year-end report issued by the Illinois Gaming Board,...
1/10/2013
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Des Plaines Rivers Casino Highest Grossing In Illinois For 2012
(Illinois) -- The Des Plaines Rivers Casino generated $416 million in revenue in 2012, making it easily Illinois' top casino, according to the Illinois Gaming Board.
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Employee Stock Ownership Plan acquires Casino Queen
(Illinois) -- Shareholders of Casino Queen, Inc., who own and operate the Casino Hotel & Casino located in East St. Louis, Ill., recently announced its agreement to...
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Rivers Casino tops revenue list in Illinois
(Illinois) -- After its first full calendar year of operation, the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines remains at the top of the Illinois gambling scene with revenues nearly...
1/9/2013
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ADW Companies Stop Taking Wagers in Illinois
(Illinois) -- At least two of the four companies conducting advance deposit wagering in Illinois are shutting down operations for Illinois residents because that form of...
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After Two Year Delay, Illinois Gambling Bill Moves To Governor’s Desk
(Illinois) -- On the last day of an Illinois legislative session this week, Senate President John Cullerton removed a parliamentary hold he had placed on a gambling...
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Game On: video gambling officially starts in Quincy
(Illinois) -- Quincy's first official video gambling machines were turned on today at the Tangerine Bowl. Last year the City Council approved a measure allowing...
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Joliet casino revenue and taxes continue to decline
(Illinois) -- The Joliet casinos continued to see revenue drop in 2012, but gambling revenue statewide shot up with the Des Plaines casino in operation for a full year...
1/8/2013
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Gambling expansion bill sent to Quinn’s desk after long time on hold
(Illinois) -- A dormant gambling expansion bill that would bring a casino to Chicago moved to Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk Tuesday after the state Senate’s top...
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Gambling Machines Help Local Businesses Cash-In
(Illinois) -- Businesses with newly installed video gaming terminals are reporting a boost in revenue. This comes only three months after video gambling began in...
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Kass: Chicago Way Casino — where pols can take to the pole
(Illinois) -- A sad comment on the cynicism around us is that some are scoffing at a beautiful idea: A giant Chicago City Hall-run casino at the James R. Thompson Center...
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Linn County casino backers push for March 5 gaming vote
(Illinois) -- In about seven weeks, Vote Yes Linn County amassed more than 16,000 signatures — some 4,300 more than needed — to prompt a special election to...
1/7/2013
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Labor chief pushes for casino at Thompson Center
(Illinois) -- Chicago’s most powerful labor leader suggested Monday that a land-based city casino be located at the James R. Thompson Center, state government...
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Officials ‘regear’ for casino push
(Illinois) -- As the lame duck session of the current General Assembly winds down this week, a gambling expansion bill that includes a casino license for Danville will...
1/5/2013
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Argosy replaces deflection barge
(Illinois) -- A large barge that captured attention when it stopped briefly at Alton's Riverfront Park has found a home nearby - a bit upriver, on the west side of...
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Oak Lawn flower/wine shop adds video gambling
(Illinois) -- As the owner of a small business in a struggling economy, Denise Roll is doing all she can to drum up sales. That’s why, starting Friday, customers...
1/4/2013
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Link: No vote on gambling until new session
(Illinois) -- Yet another term of the Illinois General Assembly will come to an end next week without approval of slot machines for Arlington Park and new casinos in...
1/3/2013
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Senator Terry Link: No last-minute gambling expansion
(Illinois) -- Yet another term of the Illinois General Assembly will come to an end next week without approval of slot machines for Arlington Park and new casinos in...
1/1/2013
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Another year, no gambling expansion
(Illinois) -- It was another frustrating year for proponents waiting for a casino license for the city. November’s General Assembly veto session came and went...
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First Fox Valley gambling machines in play
(Illinois) -- The owners of Parkside Lanes are highlighting their newest attraction via a large sign along Montgomery Road: up-and-running video gambling machines.
12/31/2012
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STUTZ: South Point owner Michael Gaughan sells small stake in Illinois riverboat casino
(Las Vegas) -- Last week’s $170 million sale of an Illinois riverboat casino had a Las Vegas connection. Employees of the Casino Queen, through a newly created...
12/29/2012
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Report: Gambling Revenue Won't Aid State Greatly
(Illinois) -- A new study suggests the real winner from a future expansion of gambling in Illinois will be the casinos themselves. The "Tribune" analyzed...
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Danville weighing its own licensing process for video gambling
(Illinois) -- With three Danville establishments already approved for the new state-licensed video-gambling machines, and at least one with terminals churning out...
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TIF, Comp Plan and Video Gambling: Stories that Made an Impact in Forest Park in 2012
(Illinois) -- Patch has only been in Forest Park a short while, and we've learned quite a bit about this community. It's a proud town, proud of tradition and of...
12/28/2012
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Romeoville OKs Rules for Video Gambling
(Illinois) -- Romeoville will allow businesses to install up to five video gambling machines, but only if they get village board approval for a special-use permit first.
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