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Deal on Slot Machines at Race Tracks
A couple of state lawmakers, union representatives, and some members of the horse racing industry are announcing a deal on allowing slots at racetracks. But that deal is going only so far.

State Reps. Will Burns (D-Chicago) and Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington Hills) say they'll push for legislation to allow Northern Illinois racetracks to have up to 1,200 slot machines, and Downstate racetracks to have up to 900 slots. They claim the move would bring state government $300 million-$400 million that could be pumped into the state's capital plan for building and construction, which would help the state sell bonds for $1.7 billion.

But Tom Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, is opposed to the plan. He says the proposal would allow tracks to buy licenses for slot machines for far less than what casinos are now paying. The plan calls for slot machines to cost $25,000 for Northern Illinois tracks, and $12,500 for Downstate tracks. Swoik says the newest slot machines cost $140,000. He also suggests that casinos will lose players to racetracks, which could mean up to 800 jobs being lost at casinos around the state.

Bills allowing slot machines at tracks have circled around the Capitol for years, never passing because the horseracing and casino groups can't find a compromise.

(Illinois Radio Network)
04 30 10 by Newsroom
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