'Fine print' in casino bill troubles Link Waukegan has a chance, but senator says redivision of revenue 'makes no sense'December 11, 2007 By DAN MORAN
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With the Legislature in overtime, a mass-transit funding crisis driving the debate and Mr. Speaker now on board, Illinois appears to be moving toward an expansion of gambling that would put Waukegan back in the bidding for one of two proposed open licenses. But, while he expects that something will pass through Legislature as early as next week, state Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan, said Monday that anyone getting too optimistic about House Speaker Michael Madigan's new proposal should read the fine print. "They're really excited about it only if they haven't read it," Link said. "I've read it very thoroughly, and there are some things I can live with, and some things I can't live with." On Monday, Madigan and House Democratic leaders unveiled a plan that would add a land-based casino in Chicago and put two other gaming licenses up for bid -- a new license and the dormant 10th license that Waukegan unsuccessfully chased in 2004. The proposal would also add 3,600 slot machines and video poker games at the state's five racetracks, including 1,100 at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights. Proponents say the expansion would generate up to $2 billion annually in new state revenue. But Link said his concerns start with a provision that would give 2 percent of gross revenue to the host community and 3 percent to the host county. Previously, those numbers were 5 percent to the city and 1 percent to the county. "I've got a little bit of a problem with that," Link said. "Waukegan has to put in all the infrastructure (but) the county gets more revenue? That makes no sense. This is not a done deal by any means." Link added said he's "not a proponent of slots at the tracks," because "what we do there is basically set up five more land-based casinos." He also predicted that provisions about minority and women investors "will be a big stumbling block" because it allows for individual investments in what would be a multimillion-dollar bidding process. Overall, though, Link predicted "75 (percent) to 25 that it's going to get done ... I think we're closer now than we've ever been, but I think there's a lot of work to be done before it passes through both houses." If a bill passes and is signed by the governor. Waukegan would be back where it was in early 2004 when the city partnered with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. to pursue the 10th license. Mayor Richard Hyde said it remains to be seen who would bid for a Waukegan license in 2008. "Harrah's wants back in, and there are about two or three others who want in, too," Hyde said. He added that he expects Springfield to strike a deal because "this is the first time that Madigan has been really, really behind it. They're really taking a lot of heat on this CTA business." The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
