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Central Illinois Gazette

Danville halfway to its casino

Posted by: Tom Kacich

Saturday, May 30, 2009 10:57 PM

The Illinois Senate moved a casino gambling expansion bill Saturday night that includes a new casino for Danville but it's going to be a while until the legislation gets to the House.

Because of legislative rules the proposal won't get a vote in the House until either next week -- if there is an overtime session -- or until this fall in either a special session or a veto session.

Still, this is by far the closest Danvile has come to getting the long-sought casino.

Despite widespread misgivings about gambling expansion in the House, the bill has a chance to win approval because it could be viewed by some lawmakers as more palatable than a tax increase vote.

Freshman senator Mike Frerichs, D-Champaign, was elated about approval of the gambling bill.

"I've heard from people who are opposed to gambling and opposed to a casino in Danville but I've heard from many more who want it and say that Danville needs something to help make up for more than 10 years of job losses.

"I believe this is good news for a community that really needs some good news and really wants some jobs."