Gambling expansion fails in Illinois Senate

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Senate has rejected a plan to significantly expand legalized gambling in Illinois.

Democrats proposed casinos in Chicago, Rockford and Park City in Lake County.

But the measure died 28-28. It needed 30 votes to pass.

Senate President John Cullerton — a Chicago Democrat — said the measure was a viable alternative to the 50 percent income tax increase Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed to close an $11.6 billion budget deficit.

Sen. Terry Link sponsored the legislation. The Waukegan Democrat said it eventually could bring in $1 billion a year in revenue.

But opponents said the expansion would make Illinois the most "gaming-dependent" state in the nation, bigger than casino-friendly Nevada or New Jersey.

Link used a parliamentary procedure to call the bill for another vote.

The bill is SB744.

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