Rockford Casino Gets New Life Thanks To Reworked Proposal
By: Alex de Leon
Updated: March 7, 2013
Rockford - A deal to bring a casino to the Forest city may not be dead after all.
In fact, supporters say a new bill recently passed by a senate committee stands a good chance of getting the Governor's stamp of approval. They say it addresses Pat Quinn's biggest concerns about ethical oversight.
An independent gaming commission will be made up mostly of retired judges and former prosecutors to make sure no corruption seeps into the system. Another safeguard in place ensures no casino will be operated by anyone local. "Under this legislation, the only gaming companies allowed to have casinos would be nationally traded companies" says Sen. Dave Syverson (R). "It really is not going to be a real concern for people that are worried about it being run by locals or insiders, that just wouldn't occur."
The bill though isn't sitting well with Mayor Larry Morrissey (I). The bill calls for gaming revenue to be split 50-50 between the city and county.
In fact, supporters say a new bill recently passed by a senate committee stands a good chance of getting the Governor's stamp of approval. They say it addresses Pat Quinn's biggest concerns about ethical oversight.
An independent gaming commission will be made up mostly of retired judges and former prosecutors to make sure no corruption seeps into the system. Another safeguard in place ensures no casino will be operated by anyone local. "Under this legislation, the only gaming companies allowed to have casinos would be nationally traded companies" says Sen. Dave Syverson (R). "It really is not going to be a real concern for people that are worried about it being run by locals or insiders, that just wouldn't occur."
The bill though isn't sitting well with Mayor Larry Morrissey (I). The bill calls for gaming revenue to be split 50-50 between the city and county.
