Jennifer Wessner   Illinois Statehouse News

SPRINGFIELD  –  Who needs Vegas? Race tracks around the state may soon be getting slot machines in their lobbies.

Illinois lawmakers are considering a plan that would legalize slot machines in the state’s thirty-seven horse race tracks. The proponents of the plan believe the machines could be used by race attendees to fill the time between races. They would provide much needed revenue for the state.

Senator Mike Jacobs says the machines would be a welcome addition for frequent customers of the racetracks.

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Anita Bedell, the executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, is voicing her concern that putting slot machines at the tracks would really just be expanding race tracks into full casinos.

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The plan is not new, it’s been brought-up before in Springfield.  But supporters hope the state’s dissmall fiscal situation could improve its chances.  The plan has yet to clear its first hurdles at the statehouse.