Posted by Michelle Manchir at 8:43 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD
– A plan to install slot machines at horse-racing tracks across the
state was unveiled today as part of a way to help pay for the state’s
far-reaching public works program, but the legislation is already
coming under heavy fire.
Track
owners have long coveted the idea of pumping up their bottom lines with
slot machines, but it’s a tough sell unless all of the far-reaching
gambling interests are on board any gambling bill. And it’s clear that
not all are on board, including the casino boats.
"We’re fighting it," said Tom Swoik, executive director of the
Illinois Casino Gaming Association. He maintained the boats have seen
their profits nosedive over the last couple of years due to factors
that range from the state’s anti-smoking laws to the rocky national
economy.
Swoik maintained the bill effectively would create land-based
casinos, creating competition that would further erode riverboat
gambling profits.
The call for slots at tracks comes after many communities opted out
of allowing video poker within their borders, raising concerns that a
key portion of the funding for the program to fix roads and bridges
would fall short.
A variety of other delays have slowed revenue expectations,
including the time needed to put in place complicated regulations for
the video poker games.
"We’re working hard to line up support," said Rep. Will Burns, D-Chicago, who secured support from major labor unions and Republican Rep. Mark Beaubien of Barrington Hills, a point man on budget issues.
Under the proposal, Cook County tracks could have up to 1,200 slots
and other electronic games. Supporters estimated the plan could create
up to 1,500 permanent jobs.