Illinois House Passes Gambling Expansion Bill

The Illinois House, in a 69-47 vote, passed a gambling expansion bill that would create new casinos and slot machines at the state's racetracks.
However, the bill passed Wednesday won't allow slots at airports or state fairgrounds.

A gambling bill passed by the Legislature last year, but never sent to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature, included the creation of five new casinos, including the first one in Chicago. Illinois currently has 10 casinos.

Earlier this week, Quinn said Illinois couldn't afford to have lawmakers distracted from crucial issues by more talk of gambling expansion.

A report released by the governor's office in November said a gambling expansion would bring in about $160 million in new annual revenue, not the $1 billion increase claimed by some.