Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Chicago Casino Development Authority to regulate gambling-related activities within the state of Illinois.

Highlights:

• Authorizes slot machines at airports under the control of the Chicago Department of Aviation (Sec. 1).

• Requires airport gaming operations to be conducted in a secured area that is beyond the TSA security checkpoints and only available to airline passengers at least 21 years of age who are members of a private club, and not to the general public (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes horse races to be held on Sundays (Sec. 90).

• Prohibits the issuance of racing licenses to any individual or entity that is located within 35 miles of where other races are being conducted at the same time, is in debt to the state, or has been convicted of any crime punishable by imprisonment (Sec. 90).

• Authorizes the creation of limited purpose branch banks that have no authority other than to provide small loans within 1,000 feet of a racetrack or casino (Sec. 90).

• Establishes the Depressed Communities Economic Development Board to make grants to public and private entities who plan to revive depressed communities by curbing high levels of poverty, unemployment, job loss, and general distress (Sec. 90).

• Establishes the Chicago Casino Development Authority for constructing, acquiring, leasing, and issuing licenses for the operation, promotion, and maintenance of casinos (Sec. 1).

• Establishes the Gaming Facility Fee Revenue Fund which provides money for the Authority (Sec. 90).

• Requires a casino operator fee of $50 million, which will be deposited into the Gaming Facilities Fee Revenue Fund (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that profits of the Authority will go into the Illinois School Infrastructure Fund (Sec. 90).

• Prohibits members of the Authority from engaging in any form of gambling or political activity that supports or is connected to any campaign for federal, state, or local elective office or any political organization (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a firm of certified public accountants must audit the finances of the Authority yearly and create an annual report of its financial information (Sec. 1).

• Establishes an Advisory Committee to monitor, review, and report on the Authority’s employment and use of minority and female-owned business enterprises (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text