Addition of Slot Machines to Horse Tracks: Illinois State Lawmakers
Illinois State lawmakers are once again debating the addition of slot machines to horse tracks across the state, in an effort to fund proposed construction packages, including well known establishments such as Fairmount Park and Arlington Park.
To drive up funds for construction and improvements to existing facilities, the incentive is being heavily pushed by the horse racing industry. To the existing casino industry, additions of video poker machines, internet betting and slot machines in venues that exist solely for gambling of an alternate format pose a threat, which reportedly is suffering a significant decrease in revenue as it stands. Illinois State Rep. Will Burns (D-Chicago) has sponsored the bill in the House, and it has garnered bi-partisan support thus far. Suggesting that a blow to the already wounded sect of vice-based economy would actually drive the state's profits down in the long term, the majority of the proposal's detractors are on the side of the casinos.
Proponents of the bill both civilian and lawmaker have repeatedly made note of the concept of free market. To compete fairly in the gambling industry, the belief that casinos are shirking their duty has caused some to advocate the extra machines due to simple economic principles as opposed to the estimated $100,000,000 per year that the bill's sponsor has indicated as a realistic possibility. It should be noted that the horse racing industry has advocated for this legislation previously and failed, therefore only time will tell if the proposed additions will prevail.