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Illinois Senate President Advises on Emerald Case

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Chicago Tribune: "Close to deciding whether to revoke Emerald Casino's gambling license, the Illinois Gaming Board received some unsolicited advice Thursday from state Senate President Emil Jones, who encouraged the board not to yank the license but allow it to be sold to save minority investors in the casino millions of dollars.

"During what the influential Democratic leader from Chicago said was his first appearance before the board, Jones argued that nearly two dozen women, African-Americans and Hispanics who invested $33 million would lose that money if the board sides with retired federal judge Abner Mikva's recommendation to strip away the license.

"Although casino officials may have misled gambling regulators and allowed in other investors who had ties to organized crime, Jones said the 18 minority investors he was speaking on behalf of did nothing wrong.

"…The board is about to decide whether to follow Mikva's recommendation to strip the license from Emerald because of the misdeeds.

"Jones spoke at the behest of Connie Payton, wife of the late Chicago Bears star Walter Payton. She is among 23 minority investors in the casino once planned for northwest suburban Rosemont…"

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