House Advances Gambling Expansion Rewrite

A plan to expand gambling in Illinois has advanced out of a key House committee.

The proposal calls for five new casinos including one in Chicago and scores of slot machines. But bill sponsor Rep. Robert Rita, a Blue Island Democrat, says details are still being worked out.

The House Executive committee on Wednesday OK'd stripping the bill -- SB1739 -- of its language so Rita can change it.

He says the core of the bill remains the same, but he's rewriting language on tax rates and is working with Gov. Pat Quinn's office on oversight of a Chicago casino, among other things.

It goes to the House floor and could come up any time before lawmakers' Friday adjournment.

Quinn has twice vetoed gambling expansions.

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