The governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, has signed a $31 million state infrastructure bill that will be financed, in part, by as many as 45,000 video slots at bars and restaurants, but none at Illinois racetracks.
Daily Racing Form reports that tracks have been written out of the legislation, and even worse will get no cut from the expansion of state gambling opportunities. The video slots will be doled out sparingly -- up to five in each establishment that chooses to have them -- and will be taxed at 30%, which the state estimated will raise $300 million a year.
In addition to the rejection of track aid, DRF reports that the $76.4 million generated by the two-year impact fee on four major Illinois riverboat casinos, approved by the courts and expected, a few weeks ago, to be distributed shortly to tracks and purses, remains tied up in legal limbo.
(Harness Track of America Daily Newsletter)