* Background is here. Statement from Gov. JB Pritzker…
I have spoken to Mayor Lightfoot about her concerns with regards to sports betting, and we have collaboratively worked with the bill sponsors to make clear that the legislative intent will reflect that there are limits on both the number of and locations for sports betting venues. I’m pleased that we have reached this understanding. Working together we remain on track for a strong proposal to improve the economy while protecting all communities in Chicago and Illinois.
*** UPDATE *** More progress. From the mayor’s office…
After productive discussions with the Governor, we have agreed to allow a limited amount of betting at sports venues subject to local oversight and control. These enhancements to the gaming proposal will allow us to maximize revenue capabilities of a new casino for the City of Chicago and ensure a good quality of life for our neighborhoods that might otherwise be affected. As such, I urge the passage of SB 690 as amended. We will remain engaged with the Governor as well as Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton to ensure a fair outcome for all of Chicago this session.
- bobbychapelle - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:17 pm:
This is weird. Things are getting done. People are compromising.
I haven’t seen that in a long time.
It’s nice.
- Stylin - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:18 pm:
I predict the chicago casino will never be built. The 1/3rd split for an owner will make it impossible for it to ever be financed.
- Nick - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:19 pm:
JB really working overtime to help get all of this done. It’s nice having a Governor who can work with others.
- Siriusly - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:25 pm:
Nick
You mean it’s nice having a Governor who works
- Been There - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:25 pm:
===I predict the chicago casino will never be built. The 1/3rd split for an owner will make it impossible for it to ever be financed.===
The city could help with financing.
- wordslinger - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:40 pm:
Given the timing of a new mayor coming in right at the end of a session, there were bound to be some conflicts.
This one get settled in a hurry.
Someone didn’t get the memo that he’s not in charge.
- Stylin - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:42 pm:
Been There -
Right, because the city has so much money to spare. The incumbent casino owners know the chicago casino will never be built, which is why they are allowing this thing to pass. Plus they get extra slots and other benefits. This is a huge win for them and a giant loss for Chicago and the state.
- Ratso Rizzo - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:46 pm:
- Stylin - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:18 pm:
I predict the chicago casino will never be built. The 1/3rd split for an owner will make it impossible for it to ever be financed===
Yeah, it’s gonna be rough to get someone to go 1/3rd on the over $100 million a month in revenue a Chicago casino will generate.
- anon2 - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:49 pm:
Any estimate on how many new slot machines will be added statewide? It sounds like a major increase.
- Been There - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:51 pm:
===Right, because the city has so much money to spare. ===
They can easily issue bonds for a project like this.
- Concerned Dem - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:51 pm:
I’ve really enjoyed 670 the Score’s Joe Ostrowski’s coverage of this process in part because of the fact that he’s not a political reporter by trade so all of this new to him. It’s a mix of earnest coverage because he wants to see action (pun intended) on this issue, but also a play by play of what most of us that have observed or taken part in this process take for granted.
- up2now - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:54 pm:
Someday, the contrasts between the Rauner and Pritzker administrations — gridlock vs. getting things done — will be the stuff of political science textbooks. That’s politics — the art of making things happen.
- Progress - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 3:56 pm:
Stylin–Private equity will take care of the 1/3. Watch and wait.
- Gambler - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 4:18 pm:
A downtown Chicago casino reachable by public transit and in a safe location would probably become one of the single highest revenue casinos in the country just from location alone. Why get on a shuttle bus to go to Hammond or Ameristar when you can just jump on the CTA?
I’m 100% certain someone will throw money at the project.
- SSL - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 4:29 pm:
Someone will build the mega Chicago casino. What it looks like five years after it opens will be the key. Hopefully it will payoff for everyone, at least everyone in Illinois. For too many years that opportunity went to Indiana.
If everyone gets greedy, it will implode. People aren’t going to throw money at it if they can’t win. That’s why it needs to be run like a business and not a government entity.
Well done by JB to get Lightfoot on board. The gambling initiative saves and creates jobs.
- E town - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 4:31 pm:
Very nicely done by Gov.
- Former State Worker - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 4:33 pm:
This Governor is the real deal. Keep it up JB.
- Richard - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 4:55 pm:
Governor Pritzker is in charge
- GOGOGO - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 5:27 pm:
Lets pass this bill already
- Grandson of Man - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 5:46 pm:
It’s such a pleasure to have a governor who works with people instead of warring with them.
- Occasional Quipper - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 5:50 pm:
Even as a conservative, I much prefer having a good Democrat governor versus a bad Republican governor. Nice to see both sides working together.
- Sophie DG - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 5:56 pm:
Quick ques: Will the marijuana dispensaries located in the casinos also be open 24/7?
- Huh? - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:11 pm:
I’m confused. Isn’t the uber wealthy governor supposed to be an imperialistic obstructionist demanding his personal agenda is passed before anything else is considered? Who is this person who is willing to negotiate and work with various interested parties?
- Phil p51 - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 8:34 pm:
Irony of ironies. Former Gov. Rauner invests in the Chicago casino.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Saturday, Jun 1, 19 @ 10:02 pm:
Stylin -
That’s what TIFs are for.
LOL.
Worst case scenario, put a data center in the basement.