HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-274 Resolution No. 07-274
RESOLUTION
REGARDING GAMING LEGISLATION
BEING CONSIDERED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
WHEREAS, certain gaming proposals are being considered by the General Assembly in
conjunction with House Bill 2035; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 2035 generally amends the Riverboat Gambling Act to authorize
the issuance of two additional licenses to conduct riverboat gambling, and a license to conduct
land-based casino gambling in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is not opposed to the proposed gaming expansion within
the city of Chicago—recognizing Chicago's stature as a first level, "world" city and that the
addition of gaming to Chicago's diverse, international economy will enhance that city's appeal in
the global marketplace; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is similarly not opposed to the creation of two additional
riverboat gambling licenses in the outlying Chicago metropolitan area, provided the Riverboat
Gambling Act's original spirit and intent to enhance the economically depressed regions of the
State is maintained in the new legislation, and provided the new legislation requires the riverboat
licenses to be issued in markets that are not adequately being served by an existing riverboat
casino; and
WHEREAS, maintaining public confidence in the process to expand gaming in Illinois is
crucial to the public's support for whatever plan is eventually passed by the General Assembly,
and the City of Elgin supports Speaker Madigan's proposals to enhance the powers and
independence of the Illinois Gaming Board; and
WHEREAS, the public has accepted gaming in Illinois as a means to assist economically
depressed areas of the state return to stability; and
WHEREAS, the introduction of slot machines to race tracks does not serve the
overarching purpose of the Riverboat Gambling Act—to enhance the economically depressed
regions of the State—but rather confers a substantial benefit on a discrete industry; and
WHEREAS, during this session, the Senate has already approved legislation allowing
horse racing fans to bet on races in advance online, along with other provisions advantageous to
the horse racing industry; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois cities and regions with riverboat casinos should not be subject to
cannibalization of their markets by race tracks that have been long afforded the privilege of
wagering by the State; and
. •
WHEREAS, local residents and municipalities objecting to slot machines at horse racing
tracks—such as the Village of Arlington Heights—should minimally be granted the power to
disapprove of slot machines at such horse racing tracks within their corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, for the foregoing reasons, the City of Elgin is opposed to any new gaming
legislation authorizing slot machines or other new gaming at horse racing tracks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF
ELGIN, ILLINOIS:
1. That any new gaming legislation creating additional riverboat casinos should include
protections that will require the new riverboat gambling licenses to be issued in depressed
economic areas of the State and in markets that are not adequately being served by an
existing riverboat casino.
2. That any new gaming legislation creating additional riverboat casinos should incorporate
Speaker Madigan's proposals to enhance the powers and independence of the Illinois
Gaming Board.
3. That any new gaming legislation should not authorize slot machines or other new gaming at
horse racing tracks.
4. That in the event any new gaming legislation authorizes slot machines or other new gaming
at horse racing tracks, such legislation should also grant local residents and municipalities the
power to disapprove the placement of slot machines or other new gaming at any horse racing
tracks located within their communities.
s/Ed Schock
Ed Schock, Mayor
Presented: November 14, 2007
Adopted: November 14, 2007
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/Diane Robertson
Diane Robertson, City Clerk