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More Illinois casino licenses proposed

WAUKEGAN, Illinois – As reported by the Lake County News Sun: "Count Mayor Richard Hyde among those who were surprised Tuesday to learn about state Rep. Lou Lang's proposal to create four new riverboat casino licenses and award one to Waukegan -- potentially on Lake Michigan.

"…But Lang, chairman of the House Select Committee on Gaming, got a jump on the process with Tuesday's announcement. Under House Bill 480, dubbed the Gaming-Intercity Development Act, the Skokie Democrat called for a package that would add the four new licenses, increase gaming positions at existing casinos, and allow slot machines at horse racing tracks.

"Along with Waukegan, Lang proposed that gaming licenses be created for the city of Chicago, one of nine townships in the south suburbs, and a community within 10 miles of O'Hare International Airport.

"…Lang's current proposal calls for a Chicago casino -- possibly on Lake Michigan -- with up to 4,000 gaming positions. All other riverboats would be allowed up to 2,000 positions, an increase of 800 from the current maximum.

"Five horse tracks licensed by the state would also divvy up 3,800 new electronic gaming positions, paying $50,000 up front for each slot. Under the plan, Arlington Park in Arlington Heights would receive 1,150 slot machines, while the Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero would receive 1,000, Maywood Park in Maywood 850, Fairmount Park in Collinsville 500 and Balmoral Park in Crete 300…"

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