Illinois Democratic governor Pat Quinn on Monday vowed to veto an handful of bills aimed at expanding gambling in the state of Illinois.
Speaking to supporters on Monday, the Illinois Democrat said he would support casinos in Chicago and four other places, adding that his opposition stems from allowing slot machines at racetracks.
“I’m the goalie. I’m the final word,” Mr. Quinn said in a statement announcing his opposition to the current measure. “The current bill has major flaws in it.”
“We need to scale it back,” Mr. Quinn added. “We have no interest in this state of becoming Las Vegas of the Midwest.”
Mr. Quinn’s announcement could threaten a scaled down version that includes five additional casinos in Chicago, Danville, Rockford, Lake County and southern Cook County. Mr. Quinn’s threat comes one week before lawmakers are to return to Springfield, the capital, for their fall session.
The Illinois Democrat has repeatedly called for a ban on campaign contributions from gambling license holders and managers, and to increase oversight of a Chicago casino with the Illinois Gaming Board.
“Illinois cannot expand gambling at all without ensuring proper oversight and full integrity,” Mr. Quinn said.
