A press statement from Doug Dobmeyer, Spokesperson for The Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago:

Task Force Statement: Gambling Expansion Bill in Illinois

“The Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago is thankful the Illinois General Assembly adjourned the spring session without making a Chicago casino a reality. For 25 years certain elements in Illinois have advanced a Chicago casino then failed to consummate the deal.

There are many people and events that have defeated a casino for Chicago for a quarter of a century. That coalition of opposition will continue in the future.

While this issue will resurface in the future, the chances of it being enacted are progressively dim. Why? There are many reasons, not the least being simple greed and a lack of coherent strategy to make their idea successful.

The proponents are trying to sail a ship whose time has come and gone. The proponents, many that have been financed through massive campaign financing are out of touch with the state’s electorate that does not support the proposed wholesale gambling expansion. Chicago has proposed the plan of self-ownership and oversight which many find amusing based on the terrible history of financial abuse and scandal in Chicago.

A lot of time and money has been wasted with 25 attempts to procure casino for Chicago instead of seeking a city income tax or a financial tax on stock sales. While any money raising plan takes a strong effort, raising money through a tax structure offers a better chance of success than games of chance that are skewed to the house. Proof is in the monthly reports of the Illinois Gaming Board that shows average consistent winning by the house of $100 or more from each customer of Illinois’ current ten casinos.

The Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago will persevere in opposing a casino for Chicago. And those opposed will win that battle.”