CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he favors establishing a
casino in the city, provided certain “conditions” are met. One Emanuel
condition is that the city owns the casino, an echo of a demand made by
former Mayor Richard M. Daley. Emanuel said Thursday the city can’t continue
to lose revenue that is going to nearby casinos in Indiana.
Other proposals to establish a casino in Chicago have failed over the years.
However, a spokeswoman for Pat Quinn says the governor supports Emanuel’s
position.
Emanuel acknowledged past governors and legislators have balked at city
ownership of a casino. However, Senate President John Cullerton also favors
his position.
A spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan wouldn’t say if a casino
package would surface during the General Assembly’s spring session.