Springfield lawmakers got a go-ahead of sorts from Mayor Rahm Emanuel this week for a casino within city limits.
"We have a casino in Chicago," Emanuel said Thursday. "It just happens to be in Hammond, Ind. And we're losing that revenue."
With just 12 days left in the legislative session, State Rep. Lou Lang says he's tweaking the final details and hopes to finish a proposal, which likely will include five new Illinois casinos and more slots at horse race tracks, by Friday.
Where would the Windy City's casino be built?
Though the state has to give the first approval to expand gambling, it would be up to the Chicago City Council to decide the casino's location. Block 37, Trump Tower and McCormick Place are among the contenders that have been discussed.
Some state lawmakers think because of Emanuel's support, a casino might make its way through the legislature this session.
"If the rest of the state can have riverboats, why not Chicago?" asked Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale).
Still, Dillard said he believes five new casinos are too many.
Some lawmakers are looking for Emanuel to make his way to the state capitol before the May 31 adjournment. It's not on his schedule just yet, but there's still time.
