Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: *** UPDATED x2 *** When worlds collide
Next Post: *** UPDATED x1 *** Very bad ideas
Posted in:
* From the Kankakee Daily Journal…
If Gov. Pat Quinn signs the gambling expansion bill — a big “if” given the myriad of objections expressed by the governor to date — the Illinois State Fairgrounds would join at least two other state fairgrounds nationwide in having slot machines.
The fairgrounds in New Mexico and Delaware have full-fledged casinos at the racetracks on their facilities. The casinos provide revenue streams that help those state fairs to be mostly self-sustaining, instead of depending upon millions of taxpayer dollars, as the Illinois State Fair does.
Quinn has said that he worries the 366-acre state fairgrounds in Springfield will become less family friendly if gambling on slot machines is permitted for most of the year, as Senate Bill 744 would allow. […]
But William DiMondi, general manager for the Delaware State Fair, said the casino there has not been a detriment to family fun in Delaware.
“We heard the same arguments that it would be the ruination of the fair, on the basis of mom and apple pie, but in all candidness, the fact that we had gaming (horseracing) — and in our case have had gaming since the late ’30s — kind of diffused a little bit of the entry of expanded gaming,” DiMondi said. […]
“We barely had barns that were held together by paint, let alone nails and decent wood,” DiMondi said. “We’ve spent in excess of $100 million on our grounds. The fair and its fairgoers, and in particular our livestock exhibitors, have been huge beneficiaries. … It has enabled us to replace all of our barns with state-of-the-art, multi-use facilities. The money is reinvested right back here in the community.”
Half the revenues from state fair slots would go to the fairgrounds’ infrastructure improvement fund. The other half would go to county fairs, Future Farmers of America and 4-H programs.
* The Question: Do you support slot machines at the Illinois State Fairgrounds? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 1:25 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: *** UPDATED x2 *** When worlds collide
Next Post: *** UPDATED x1 *** Very bad ideas
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
I voted yes. We are constantly talking about dedicated revenue streams to fund programs. This, of all the gambling expansion, would do just that.
Comment by Spliff Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 1:36 pm
Why not? Since the genie has been let out of the bottle and we now have found it acceptable to fund government (in part) through gambling revenue, how can we justify not offering gaming in our state’s capitol.
Comment by Stones Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 1:46 pm
I voted yes for all the reasons stated in the article. Dedicated revenue, fairgrounds upkeep, etc.
Comment by way south of I-80 Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 1:46 pm
In that area the only thing that is kid friendly is the Comoddities Pavilion. Nobody goes under the Grandstand. The vendors see little traffic it could be seperated from children with little or no problem.
The fairgrounds have the fastest harness racing track in the world, why not use it? Add lights and we might be able to bring extra events such as Auto racing in. The additional revenue might be able to fund some much needed improvements including roads and buildings. This would also help the horse racing industry which has seen an exodus of trainer to other states (taking the jobs with them). It has much more positives than negatives.
Having said that, there has been NOTHING done for jobs downstate by the Governor or Legislature, this is why I don’t think we will see it happen.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 1:50 pm
Sure. With all the Midwestern casinos and the illegal video games in the clubs, what are we protecting people from at this point?
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 1:52 pm
Yes, it seems like an easy way to fund maintenance or improvement for the aging fairgrounds infrastructure. No downside.
Comment by Y2D Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 1:52 pm
The state made the determination to legalize slot machines in the context of riverboat gambling 20 years ago. The additional revenues could certainly be used to update the infrastructure of the fairgrounds. The infrastructure doesn’t appear to have been updated much, if at all, since Jim Thompson was Governor - the last Governor who seemed to truly enjoy, and promote, the fair.
The argument that the fair will become less family-friendly is the same argument that was put forth many years ago when there was a debate about whether to allow the beer tents at the fair. That didn’t happen then, and it won’t happen if slots are allowed at the fairgrounds.
Comment by Just the Facts Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:04 pm
Yes, as stated by fellow commenters. In general I don’t like funding government operations with gambling, but this seems limited to and targeted for the fairgrounds. (And why not DuQuoin, while we’re at it?) Besides, as a previous commmenter said, the genie is already out of the bottle.
Comment by Ray del Camino Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:10 pm
Yes, this will allow needed revenue for the fairgrounds and would provide an additional use for the mass of land out there. I know there are events at the Fairgrounds year around, but this would help bring in money to the grounds to allow for even more use… without tax dollars. This seems like it would actually save the state money.
The only negative about this proposal is that there is no additional revenue going to the schools or the city like the other gaming expansions.
Comment by Ahoy Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:10 pm
C’mon…Spliff? That one is too easy. Is that Lou “legalize it” Lang? You have my support, friend.
As for slots at the fairgrounds, and all the gaming expansion, I support all of it. We need the money.
Comment by anon Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:11 pm
Yes. But only if the slot machines are deep fried and on a stick.
Comment by And I Approved This Message Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:15 pm
I’m in favor of it. I’d also like to see a new facility built on the other side (NE)of the track, the practice track moved to the far northeast corner, and a (private) hotel go up across Taintor Rd. to the north. Let a gaming company build the casino/grandstand & operate it, then pay the state.
This would not only keep the ‘non-family friendly’ element away from the main part of the fairgrounds, but also provide for a properly-designed facility for gambling and entertainment, one that maybe even includes suites for racing & fair concerts.
The fairgrounds is a significant economic engine for Springfield. Without infrastructure improvements and general maintenance, the site will continue to risk losing events.
Comment by Scott217 Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:30 pm
I voted yes. I have been to the Delaware State Fair grounds ten years ago and they were just getting started and it was great. Slots, Racing and cheep food. And so many blue haired ladies that were all grandma’s. What is more family than Grandma. Best thing is that we will have a place to race that is in state and not a five hour drive to Chicago. Ever pulled a horse trailer in Chicago traffic?
Comment by Down South Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:42 pm
Of course. I especially like the aspects of maintaing the Fairgrounds, and the revenue streams to County Fairs.
Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:46 pm
It would help the fair, ag outreach and it isn’t going to kill the family friendly part of the fair. Again there is already horse racing, heck I have been to the fair a bunch of times and unless they put the slots in the commercial buildings, giant slide or where they sell mini-doughnuts (damn things are like crack) or the rib-eye sandwiches odds are I will not even notice. Never noticed the betting on racing.
Comment by OneMan Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 2:58 pm
I totally support this for 2 reasons. The first I’d wr in Illinois finally have a chance to stay of the curve and beat other states to the punch. The second is as someone who lives in Springfield and often wonders why the state fairgrounds sits empty most of the time (outside of a building Wong rented here and there) doesnt have something more permanent that makes money and takes advantages of the faculties.
Comment by Wazn4me Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 3:07 pm
Wazn4me–There is something going on at the fairgrounds every weekend of the year. It does not sit idle very often.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 3:34 pm
Sure, why not? Folks like to gamble, and Illinois needs the revenue.
Comment by Hunterdon Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 4:09 pm
I am not a regular visitor to the State Fair so have no skin in the game there. Other states have done it and it works. Horse racing is already in progress - what’s the problem?
Comment by dupage dan Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 4:26 pm
Yes. The area around the Grandstand is vacant most of the year, outside of two weekends when motorcycle races take place (not exactly family friendly events themselves). The “kid friendly” area of the fairgrounds that are active most of the year are the permanent carnival….which are about 1/2 a mile away on the other end of the fairgrounds, with nothing but tumbleweeds between those areas. There are dive bars across Peoria Road closer to the Grandstand than those areas.
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 5:08 pm
Sure, why not.
It will likely boost attendance at all events, create a bit of enjoyment, and help out with other activities.
Comment by Justice Friday, Sep 23, 11 @ 5:25 pm