A compromise bill allowing five new Illinois casinos including one in Chicago has passed the State Senate. In addition to a proper casino, slots would be permitted in both airports. New regulations and oversight was built into the bill at the behest of Gov. Pat Quinn. Both Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel (ever sensitive to the schools issue) want a good share of municipal proceeds to go toward "building 21st-century schools for the children of Chicago," in the mayor's words. Possible sites include the Michael Reese Hospital grounds, Thompson Center, US Steel site, old Post Office, and Navy Pier. New suburban casinos will form a choke collar ringing the city. Supporters are hoping for a Quinn signature this time around. [Trib, previously]
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