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Illinois Court to Decide Casino Debate

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – As reported by the Chicago Daily Herald: "The Illinois Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to take up the debate over whether the 1999 law that opened the door for a casino in Rosemont is constitutional.

"In doing so, the court cast the status of that casino further into doubt. Myriad legal and political complications have risen since the 1999 law was passed that seemed to clear the way for what was expected to be the state's most lucrative gambling operation.

"This case was filed by Philip Crusius of Arlington Heights, a long-time gambling critic. Terrance Norton, Crusius' attorney, described his client as a concerned taxpayer.

"…At issue is the 1999 law that allowed a defunct casino boat on the Mississippi River to move to Rosemont. Crusius and others have challenged the law as unconstitutional, saying it violates the ban on passing laws designed to benefit specific individuals or entities. Lower courts rejected such claims, but Crusius argued those rulings have not been consistent and urged the Illinois Supreme Court to take the case.

"Attorney General Lisa Madigan also asked for the review to finally resolve the legal conflicts surrounding the gambling.

"…For now, Emerald Casino still holds the 10th casino license but is bankrupt. The operation is trying to sell the license to Isle of Capri Casinos Inc…"

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