Possible Support for Riverboat Gaming
Illinois Gov. George Ryan signaled he may be willing to support the transfer of a dormant riverboat gaming license to Cook County, despite campaigning against the idea last year. While not explicitly endorsing a specific casino site, he acknowledged without the crucial support of legislators who want riverboat gaming in the county, no gambling package could move forward in the Illinois General Assembly. Cook County is the only Illinois county prohibited by law from having a riverboat casino. Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens is pushing for a riverboat there, and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has endorsed Stephens' bid for a casino. Daley said he is not interested in bringing riverboat gambling to Chicago, but if Rosemont wants the dormant Silver Eagle license, he won't raise objections
Major Bill Passed in Illinois
The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation eliminating the ban on riverboat gambling in Cook County, opening the way for a riverboat casino to be floated in a close-in suburb of Chicago, most likely Rosemont. Senate Bill (S.B.) 1017 also allows Illinois riverboat casino operators to operate permanently moored casinos. Under the bill, licensees may conduct gambling, whether on excursion cruises or on permanently moored platforms. Patrons are free to enter and exit permanently moored casinos as they please. The measure removes the ban on riverboat gaming in a county having a population of more than three million. Under Illinois gaming law…
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.
