Community Corner

Gambling Bill Supporters Roll into South Suburbs

Rep. Robert Rita will speak to Southland leaders Monday night, about the Legislature's latest efforts to expand gambling in the state of Illinois. Hearing set for 6 p.m., Tinley Park Convention Center.

The Legislature's latest push to expand gambling in Illinois comes to the Southland Monday, with a public hearing at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue at 6 p.m. 

State Rep. Robert Rita, D-Blue Island, backs the bill—which would include establishing a casino in a to-be-determined south suburb. 

Bill supporters say it could bring in between $400 million and $1 billion in new annual revenue to Illinois. It would allow five new casinos (including one in Chicago, one in the suburbs), in addition to slot machines at horse racing tracks and O’Hare and Midway airports. Current and future casino license holders would also be permitted to apply for online licenses. 

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South suburban mayors and officials will be in attendance Monday. This is the Legislature's fourth attempt in four years to pass a gambling expansion bill. 


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