Rauner Appears Open To Gaming Expansion Bill [AUDIO]

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network

It sounds like Gov. Bruce Rauner might be warming up to the idea of expanded gambling in Illinois, which could mean a casino in Rockford.

Rauner says he doesn’t like to gamble, but he also recognizes the state is losing money to casinos in neighboring states. While Rauner isn’t definitively stating he would sign expanded gaming legislation, he’s not dismissing the idea either.

“We’ve been disorganized in our approach to gambling and gaming,” Rauner said. “We’ve sort of done it ad hoc and on a case-by-case basis. I’d like to take a strategic assessment of the gaming industry in partnership with the General Assembly.”

Rauner’s position is crucial because expanded gambling has had enough support to pass twice through the General Assembly in recent years, only for the bills to be vetoed by Gov. Pat Quinn.

One of the stronger proponents of adding more casinos in Illinois, State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), says Rauner will need extra gambling revenue to fulfill some of his campaign promises.

“He certainly will want to look to opportunities to create revenue and jobs that don’t require taxation, and gaming would be one of those areas,” Lang said.