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Illinois Gaming Board Under Fire

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Chicago Tribune: "The integrity and future of the Illinois Gaming Board were bluntly called into question Wednesday, as the panel's decision to favor Rosemont as the site for the state's final casino triggered one high-level investigation, a call for another and a legislative move to overhaul the regulatory panel.

"Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed the same former top Justice Department official who prosecuted U.S. Rep. Dan Rostenkowski (D-Ill.) on corruption charges eight years ago to look into allegations of mob influence in Rosemont and determine whether the northwest suburb is a fit home for a casino.

"With Blagojevich and others raising questions about why the board picked the Rosemont bid over two other casino proposals, board Chairman Elzie Higginbottom called on U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald to launch his own investigation of the matter to clear things up.

"In Springfield, state Senate President Emil Jones moved legislation to the Senate floor to replace Higginbottom and the board. Jones said that in picking Rosemont over casino bidders seeking to build in less flourishing communities, the board failed to comply with a state law that requires great weight to be given to economically depressed communities.

"…The board's decision to ignore that recommendation set off a firestorm of criticism from Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan and others who complained that regulators in the past had raised questions about possible links between Rosemont and organized crime.

"…Meanwhile, in the Senate Executive Committee in Springfield, Jones (D-Chicago) pushed through a proposal to immediately terminate the terms of the five-member board and have the governor appoint new members..."

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