Gambling advocates vow to push expansion

Ryan Keith

Wednesday, May 21, 2003 | 9:13 a.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Advocates for gambling expansion said Tuesday they haven't given up on the idea, despite Gov. Rod Blagojevich announcing he opposes gambling as a way to balance the state budget.

Rep. Lou Lang said he will still push to allow slot machines at horse racing tracks and let riverboat casinos add space, arguing those measures do not amount to an expansion.

"Nobody's going to convince me that adding a few blackjack tables to a current riverboat is expanding gaming, and nobody's going to convince me that slot machines at racetracks is expanding gaming," said Lang, the Skokie Democrat who heads the House Gaming Committee.

Riverboat casino owners said they will continue to push for legislative approval of more slots and lower tax rates. Blagojevich's proposal to raise casino taxes would hurt the riverboats and the state by reducing business and tax revenue, they said.

"We'd still like to see something go to the governor's desk," said Tom Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association.

Blagojevich announced Tuesday that he opposes gambling expansion as a solution to the state's budget problems.

"Gambling cannot be part of the solution until Springfield reforms its habits and learns to keep spending in check," Blagojevich said in a speech. "I will not sign this budget if it relies on any expansion of gambling."

Blagojevich did not spell out what he considers expansion and did not take questions from reporters after the speech. But his aides later said he would not consider any proposal beyond selling the state's dormant 10th casino license. They said he would be open to letting that license go to the city of Chicago.

The governor's edict rippled through the state Capitol, where lobbyists and lawmakers have worked for months on easing the state's budget crisis with new gambling money.

"A lot of people, rightfully or wrongfully, have coupled spending proposals with the reliance on gaming," said Rep. John Fritchey, D-Chicago. "So now, excuse the pun, all bets are off."

Serious dealmaking began after Blagojevich proposed raising $550 million by selling the 10th license and significantly increasing casino taxes.

Lang proposed a massive expansion plan instead, scaling back tax rates, adding slot machines to boats and horse racing tracks, authorizing video poker in bars and restaurants and putting new casinos in Chicago and its south suburbs.

Senate Democrats were considering a similar plan.

The plans gained momentum when Blagojevich said he would consider all legislative proposals because of the nearly $5 billion budget hole.

Blagojevich now urges lawmakers to pass his proposed budget, but many legislators say that won't work. Some of his tax and fee proposals won't fly politically, they contend, and without those pieces his budget doesn't add up.