Springfield, IL – A plan that passed the Illinois House and Senate, this year, included new casinos, slot machines at horse tracks, and the expansion of existing gaming sites.
The proposal proved to be too much for Governor Pat Quinn, at least for the time being.
He says he is willing to add 5 casinos: Chicago, Lake County, the south suburbs, Rockford, and Danville.
Quinn says that is as far as he will go.
"That is my framework," says Quinn, "There were those who tried to go around that framework in the past few months and they lost their votes."
Quinn's scaled-back idea of gambling expansion could also be a victim of too few votes.
Lawmakers from all parts of Illinois want something in return for voting to add casinos.
That is why this year's measure became so big.
While those who crafted the plan came up short in 2011, there is no reason to think 2012 won't see more discussion about gambling.
Governor Quinn has, at times, become a bystander while major policy issues are considered.
This year, though, proved he will have to be satisfied before the state will be able to increase gaming.
Courtesy of Illinois Public Radio