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MGM Mirage Bid on Rosemont Casino Questioned

LAS VEGAS - The Rev. Tom Grey turned toward Alan Feldman while delivering Thursday morning comments to Nevada gaming regulators and issued a plea to the MGM Mirage executive.

"I wish you would spend more time on the mess you've got here and stay out of Illinois," said Grey, a leader of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling.

Feldman didn't react, and Grey continued speaking to the three members of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

"I guess I'm asking you to take a look at what MGM is doing," Grey said.

What MGM Mirage is doing is attempting to buyout the interests of a troubled Illinois investment group to gain control of a potentially lucrative, state-issued casino license in suburban Chicago.

Several top Illinois political leaders say they oppose the move that could see MGM Mirage spend an initial $615 million on the venture.

But Rosemont, Ill., Mayor Donald Stephens is pushing for the project, which has been plagued by charges that Rosemont's Emerald Group has mob links.

A year ago, Illinois gaming regulators rejected the licensing bid of the group and MGM Mirage executives began a push to assume control of the project, which would become the state's tenth casino.

"It seems to me you should call them off," Grey told Nevada regulators of MGM Mirage's Rosemont push. "I really ask that you do your job. The eyes of the nation are upon you."

After the meeting Feldman responded to Grey's comments, saying that MGM Mirage's bid "can only serve" to eliminate the stalemate and build a casino that could generate revenue for his company and tax dollars for the state of Illinois.

"Tom is obviously one of the nation's leading anti-gambling zealots, and he wants to do anything he can to derail anyone from getting a license," Feldman said. "He doesn't care if it's us or someone else. He just wants it to go away."

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