Latest on the gambling expansion bill
It is still not certain whether Illinois State will be able to set up slot machines at its five horse racing tracks, as the state lawmakers have not yet reached a decision regarding the gambling expansion bill.
The bill has been a cause of interest for track owners, because its passage would allow them to bring gambling onto the race tracks. Neighbouring states such as Iowa and Indiana have already been doing so and earning sizable profits out of it. If Illinois
is also allowed to add slot machines to its tracks, the track owners feel it would boost revenues considerably. Race tracks in Illinois have not been able to seize as big a market share of the gambling market as they could have, because a major part is captured
by casinos and neighbouring state tracks.
Another reason for the low revenue generated by Illinois race tracks is that tracks outside the state give out bigger amounts in prize money. Therefore, horse owners and trainers prefer to race their horses in such states, leaving Illinois with only a handful
of participants. The track owners believe if on-track gambling is allowed, the state would face very little trouble in attracting horse owners and trainers.
One person who has been actively advocating the bill since the beginning is Lanny Brooks. Brooks is the executive director of the Illinois Horseman's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) in Collinsville, and believes that the debate in the General
Assembly could go on until the last minute. However, Brooks is confident that Illinois will be able to put up a good show, even if permission is granted at the last minute.
"Believe it or not, we can still do business on the morning of the twelfth," Brooks said. "It's happened before." The newly elected law makers are supposed to join the General Assembly on 12 January. Interested parties will be hoping that the legislation
can be passed before that date.
The gambling bill, along with a few others, have already been granted extra time in hopes of achieving a simple majority in the House as well as the Senate.
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