Legislation that expands gaming in Illinois and directs funds toward constructing a highly-anticipated casino in Rockford will soon be on its way to the Governor for final signature, according to State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford).
Senate Bill 690, sponsored by Sen. Syverson, makes a number of changes to Illinois’ gaming industry. Included in the expansion package is the addition of casinos in Rockford, Lake County, Chicago, suburban South Cook County, Danville, and Carterville. The measure would also allow the phase-in of sports betting which was recently approved by the US Supreme Court, and makes changes to video gaming rules.
Senate Bill 690 was approved by lawmakers on June 2.
“This has been legislation that I’ve worked on for the past decade, and I am very excited to see all those years of hard work and negotiating finally come together in a successful and bipartisan package that will benefit all of Illinois,” said Syverson who served as one of the lead negotiators of this legislation. “This will be a game changer for our region, generating millions of dollars in tax revenue for Rockford and Winnebago County and creating hundreds of high-paying jobs.”
Senate Bill 690 will have a positive impact beyond just Rockford and Winnebago County, benefiting every community that has video gaming in place. Under this legislation, those areas are expected to see increased revenue as a result of changes to video gaming regulations in Illinois.
Meanwhile, the state’s share of the revenue being generated from this legislation will be directed into the state’s capital fund. The capital fund will, in turn, bring back dollars to the region to deal with local capital project needs.
Noting the years of effort, negotiations and ongoing support it took to pass this comprehensive gaming expansion package, Sen. Syverson acknowledged those who have been instrumental in the development and passage of Senate Bill 690.
“There are a number of people who played a key role over the years in making this gaming package possible. Firstly, I want to thank the Governor for stepping up and actively supporting this legislation. I also want to thank the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Rockford Economic Development Council, the Rockford Park District and local labor for never giving up on this project and working with all of their state associations to ensure gaming expansion remained a priority of the General Assembly,” said Syverson. “I would also like to thank all the local municipalities for passing resolutions in support for gaming expansion and Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, who has spent hours making phone calls and travelling to Springfield since taking office. Lastly, I want to thank the Rockford Register Star; especially longtime columnist Chuck Sweeny. I wish he was here to see this finally come to fruition. The Rockford paper, which is read by leaders across the state, has articulated the need for this legislation so well over the years and has undeniably helped keep readers up-to-date on this critical issue.”