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Huge Gaming Expansion Bills Moving Through The General Assembly May 9, 2003

SPRINGFIELD:- As a legislative committee approved part of a massive gambling expansion package, the major players at the state Capitol said the serious work has just begun. Meanwhile, the city of Elgin with the most popular casino in the state was busy talking with legislators about the potential impact from any legislation that may pass.

The Illinois House's gambling committee voted 8-2 Thursday for one of three proposals sponsored by Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie. It's a package Lang says could wipe out about half of the state's anticipated $5 billion deficit next year. The measure headed to the House floor would allow hundreds more slot machines at riverboat casinos and put thousands of slots at horse tracks for the first time.

Two other measures sponsored by Lang giving Chicago its own casino and legalizing video poker machines at restaurants and bars will be brought up for consideration soon, he said. Although Lang says he's "highly confident" his proposals can pass the Democrat-controlled General Assembly, gambling interests, fellow lawmakers and even Lang say a deal is a long way away.

New hope for expansion

Gambling expansion has been a popular topic at the Capitol for years, but the final weeks of this spring legislative session may be the best hope for those who see the industry as an untapped gold mine for dwindling state coffers.

Faced with a massive budget deficit, lawmakers have few options. They can raise general taxes or slash state services, but that would have severe political consequences. Or they can find new revenue, a difficult task in such tight financial times.

Enter the gambling industry.

Groups have been at the Capitol for months asking legislators to consider their plans, everything from unlimited slots at boats and tracks to creating more casino licenses. In most years, legislators would balk at such ideas, fearing a political backlash. But with uglier alternatives staring at them, many say the time is right for a major gambling package to pass.

"I think the need is there, and kind of the planets are aligned," said Ray Shroyer, a lobbyist for legalizing video poker. They're willing to listen more." But there will be plenty of obstacles to clear. Lawmakers say they likely will work off Lang's proposal, trying to fine-tune a compromise among the various gambling interests and their opponents.

Elgin represented

Although casino and industry advocates are a common sight milling around Springfield these days, Elgin has been one of the only cities represented on a regular basis. City Manager David Dorgan and Assistant City Manager Sean Stegall visited the capital last week to monitor the issue, and Stegall returned Thursday to talk with Lang and address the house committee.

The city has launched an emergency public information campaign as legislators consider the possible gaming changes. Last week, it vocally opposed both a 70 percent tax on casinos and state takeover of the riverboats suggested recently by the governor.

Neither for nor against Lang's bill at this point, city officials are focusing on making sure legislators know its possible impact in Elgin.

There are both advantages and drawbacks for Elgin in Lang's bill, Stegall said. The city supports the idea of adding gaming positions on the riverboat but has concerns about the possibility of slot machines operating out of Arlington International Race Course.

After he spoke to the committee, Stegall distributed a short report, compiled this week by the city manager's office, that shows views of South Grove Avenue before and after the casino located there and listing projects casino money has facilitated.

Although the committee passed the bill, Stegall said he believes the city's presence is making a difference in the capital.

"We owe it to the community to make every effort to protect Elgin's interests," Stegall said. "We'll be there every step of the way."

When Elgin officials cannot be in Springfield themselves, the lobbyist the city hired in 2001 is monitoring the legislation closely.

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