SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) joined his colleagues in the Senate today in passing a gaming expansion measure. After the vote, Stadelman released the following statement:

"I am pleased to see the gaming expansion moving forward in an agreed format. This proposal will be a boon for Rockford and Winnebago County in a time that we desperately need the revenue. I expect we will see an economic impact similar to the Quad Cities and Joliet with estimates of tax revenue between $6 and 10 million to go back into our communities. Both of these areas have had success investing in their river walkways and other local projects that have really boosted their tourism in the past few years. I look forward to this measure getting approval in the House and Gov. Quinn adding his signature so that we can move forward with this great economic opportunity for Illinois."

Senate Bill 1739 includes:

• Four new riverboats/casinos in Rockford, Danville, South Suburbs and Lake County.
• Chicago casino will have 4,000 positions.
• 1,200 racino positions licensed by the Gaming Board in Cook County and 900 for outside Cook County race tracks.
• New ethics requirements include Executive Inspector General for Gaming, Gaming Board oversight of Chicago casino equal to all other gaming facilities, and political contribution ban for gaming licensees.
• Revenues will be distributed by upfront license fees to include funding increased headcount at the Gaming Board, pay the back log of old bills, local shares to host communities, and the remaining tax revenues will to the Education Assistance Fund.