In the News

Lake County observes annual ritual of awarding video-gambling revenue to addiction services

Many moons ago, a member of my circle who had struggled with a substance addiction reported that he had gone to Vegas and stayed away from substances but lost a shirt or two at the slots and tables. “Glad I got that out of my system,” he said, admitting to a fear that...

Illinois House GOP on board with measures to generate $2.6 billion

Illinois House Republicans are on board with plans to collect more than $2.6 billion from taxpayers from measures proposed by Democrats, but used a news conference Thursday to reiterate opposition to a graduated income tax. House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western...

A race to build a casino in Rockford

SPRINGFIELD – Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said lawmakers have to move quickly before the city’s chances to build a casino are “virtually eliminated” by a northern rival. Just 15 minutes away in Beloit, Wisconsin, the Ho-Chunk Nation tribe awaits federal approval from...

Illinois video gambling industry: Don’t raise taxes; raise the bets

SPRINGFIELD — If the state of Illinois wants more revenue from video gaming, one gaming industry executive said Thursday, lawmakers should loosen betting restrictions rather than raise video gambling tax rates. Ivan Fernandez, who heads the Illinois Gaming Machine...

Small businesses opposed to increase in video gaming tax

Doug and Karen Kent run three establishments in Springfield — the Burger Bar, Always After Five and the Sunset Inn. All three places have an added attraction to the business itself — five video gaming machines to play if you are so inclined. “It’s been a tremendous...

Business owners wage preemptive fight against video gambling tax hike

SPRINGFIELD – Randy Rehmer, owner of Waterloo’s Double R Bar just south of East St. Louis, said raising taxes on video gambling will eat at the $70,000 he makes each year off the machines alone. Besides bringing more customers to his business, Rehmer said video...

Two new plans in play as debate about legalizing sports gambling continues

There are now almost as many different plans to legalize sports betting in Illinois as there are states that have legalized it in any fashion. As Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday signed a sports betting bill in that state – making it the ninth state to do so...

Illinois lawmakers have short window for approving gambling expansion plans

The city of Rockford is ramping up its efforts to land a new casino. City leaders recently placed a full-page ad in both the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, asking Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot to join the fight for legislation to create a number of new...

Illinois Sports Betting Bill Expected Next Week

Illinois’ sports betting bill could be ready next week, Rep. Mike Zalewski (D, Riverside) said. This comes as the legislative session ticks towards its conclusion May 31. Zalewski has been working on HB 3308 since February, and says that they have held several...

Urbana Expected To Impose Moratorium On New Video Gaming At Bars

The Urbana City Council is set to take a final vote at its April 1st meeting on imposing a moratorium on new video gaming terminals in bars. Mayor Diane Marlin wants the moratorium in place, while work continues on an overhaul of the city liquor code. Marlin asked for...

Editorial: How Illinois can win at sports betting (no mobsters allowed)

The annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament is underway, which means millions of Americans have filled out brackets and put down money on games and in March Madnesspools. What’s different this year is that in many places, sports wagers are not only popular but...

Campton Hills residents vote to keep video gambling ban

CAMPTON HILLS – Campton Hills residents on Tuesday sent a message that they don't want video gambling in their community. As part of an advisory referendum in Tuesday's election, 648 residents said they were against allowing video gambling in the village, compared to...