SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) – Will the New Year mean gambling expansion in Illinois? Gov. Pat Quinn thinks so.

The governor says he sticks by his framework for a scaled-down gambling expansion plan that calls for five new casinos – Chicago, Danville, Rockford, somewhere in Lake County and somewhere in the South Suburbs of Chicago — but does not allow slot machines at race tracks. “I have a framework. I’ve maintained that framework,” Quinn said. “Members of the General Assembly passed a bill that was insufficient and they realize that now and I think that [in] the coming year we’ll have some serious negotiations.”

Quinn also insists that the Illinois Gaming Board should have direct oversight over a Chicago casino. “I’d like to see a casino in Chicago. I know the mayor does, but it has to be with tight regulation,” Quinn said.

Quinn says that revenues should be used for “a good purpose” like education.

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