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Local Casino Project Could Have Springfield Support

A leader in the Illinois House says while he won't talk about specifics, he supports an expansion of gaming in the state - which could include a project in southern Illinois.
The so-called "Grand Bargain" in the Illinois Senate calls for additional gaming licenses - including one for the proposed Walker's Bluff Resort in Williamson County.

People
Credit Illinois Lawmakers
State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie)

State Representative Lou Lang is a Deputy Majority Leader in the House. He told Public TV's Illinois Lawmakers Wednesday that an expansion of gaming would help the whole state.
 
"Surely, legislators can get together and figure out how to raise billions of dollars with this, and also put tons of people to work."
 
The Skokie Democrat has long supported an expansion of casino licenses in Illinois. He says as a legal business, it's important to make sure Illinoisans aren't leaving the state to spend money on something they could have closer to home.

The proposed Resort at Walker's Bluff would include a casino and an indoor water park, and could mean hundreds of jobs for southern Illinois. A spokesperson for the project says they remain hopeful the legislature will approve a gaming license.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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