Mayors: Don't put slots at horse tracks

As the Illinois insanity unfolds to compensate for poor fiscal management, voices of reason are drown out, as this archived article points out.


Mayors: Don't put slots at horse tracks

November 15, 2010 (WLS) -- Opposition to gambling is building in Illinois, with some mayors urging rejection of a proposal to put slots at horse racing tracks.

The mayors are from nine Illinois communities with casinos.

The state senate is expected to consider a bill that would expand casino gambling.

It was proposed by State Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), and would add four new casino locations.

A group of religious leaders is staunchly opposed to expanding gambling.

"It will not make money for the state budget," said First United Methodist Church Senior Minister Phil Blackwell. "Gambling's not a growth industry. The gambling proposal is about power."

Casino owners say gaming revenue in the state is flat because the smoking ban is keeping people away.