Illinois is
turning, in part, to gaming in an effort to relieve its gridlock problem.
The state Senate voted to legalize video poker, boost liquor taxes and allow lottery wagering over the Internet to help support a $26 billion statewide construction package, according a report in the
Chicago Sun-Times.
"The gridlock we've been going through for six
years has ended," Senate President John Cullerton was quoted in the
Sun-Times article.
After being approved by a 47-12 vote in the Senate, the legislation next moves
onto the House then to Gov. Pat Quinn. If passed, video poker will be
available in bars, restaurants, veterans halls and truck stops and be taxed at
a 30 percent rate, raising $375 million annually, according to estimates. The
Illinois Gaming Board will oversee the machines.
The proposed package includes a pilot program for the
state's lottery that would establish in 2010 lottery wagering over the Internet. Management of the lottery would be turned over to a private firm.
Some $15 billion will go for
road projects and $3 billion for school construction. Higher education, parks
and museums also will get funds.
Ill. Senate moves on video poker, Internet lottery
May 21, 2009
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