Arlington Heights Plans for Possible Gambling Revenue

While a gambling expansion bill has stalled in the House, the village of Arlington Heights is taking steps to plan for future gambling revenue, according to the Daily Herald.

By the beginning of June, state legislators decided there were too many complications with the proposed gambling bill, which would have allowed slot machines at Arlington Park and other racetracks, in addition to casinos in Chicago, the south suburbs, Rockford and Danville. 

Governor Quinn has vetoed two previous gambling bills, and has said he will not approve a new one without a meaningful change to the state's current pension system. 

The issue will be revisited in the fall by the Illinois General Assembly. 

The Arlington Heights village board’s committee of a whole approved a draft ordinance to create a Housing Trust Fund, which is meant to use potential gambling revenue from slots at Arlington Park to set up initiatives and incentives to provide more affordable housing in the village, according to the Daily Herald.