State-Owned Casino Proposed
Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar (R), floated the idea of a state-owned riverboat casino, with profits earmarked to help the state's ailing horseracing industry. Democrats said they were open to the concept, but would want the casino in Chicago, where state law currently bans their operation. The governor suggested the state could acquire the riverboat license held by the Silver Eagle casino, in East Dubuque, which shut down in July 1997. However, ownership of that license - one of 10 authorized by the Illinois General Assembly - remains in dispute, and Illinois Gaming Board administrator Michael Belletire said he doesn't know when the issue will be settled.
Head of Illinois Gaming Board Resigns
The embattled chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, criticized over the panel's decision to approve a riverboat sale over the objections of regulatory staff, has resigned. Robert Vickrey, a board member since 1992, sent his resignation letter to Gov. George Ryan, who appointed him chairman last summer. Ryan name Gregory Jones as the new chairman. Anti-gambling activists had been pressing for Vickrey's resignation since the board voted 3-1 on Nov. 30 to approve the purchase of the Empress riverboat casinos by casino mogul Jack Binion, owner of Horseshoe Gambling, for $609 million. That decision came on the last day before deadlines for financing and regulatory approval that could have sunk the deal.