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Mayors, critics argue over Chicago-area casino

Tuesday, July 24, 2001 | 10:53 a.m.

CHICAGO -- Suburban mayors urged quick approval of a casino in Rosemont on Monday, while critics said the parade of endorsements was engineered by state senators to focus fresh heat on gambling regulators.

"They're sending a message to pass the deal and give us the money," the Rev. Tom Grey, a gambling critic, said as the Illinois Senate Executive Committee's gambling subcommittee went into session.

The session came amid speculation that the projected Emerald riverboat casino in suburban Rosemont would be reconstituted with a fresh set of investors -- possibly Las Vegas gambling operators -- and again be put before the Illinois Gaming Board.

The board turned down the Emerald's operating license in January, citing both false statements to the board by the casino's leading investors and "the insidious influence of organized crime."

The casino is expected to pour millions of dollars not only into Rosemont but neighboring communities if the board allows the tables and slot machines to start operation.

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