Madigan's legislation will more than double the current number of gambling outlets in Illinois. Chicago will get a land-based casino, two other riverboat casinos will open, existing casinos may expand, and horse-racing tracks will be allowed to install slot machines.
 
Politicians estimated the gambling windfall will generate between $1 billion and $2 billion per year. Madigan's capital bill calls for 70 percent of new casino revenue to be allocated for a construction program and 30 percent for education, including the Chicago Public Schools.

Madigan casts his proposal as a compromise that bends to the wishes of the governor and leaders who have "no appetite for making the hard decisions necessary" to fix the state's financial problems.

"In light of this reality, and particularly out of a strong desire to see the unseemly drama over mass transit in northeastern Illinois that has played out over the last six months brought to a conclusion, I am willing to embrace compromise and offer a sincere, serious proposal that will receive my full support and backing," Madigan wrote in a letter to lawmakers, a copy of which was provided to gaming journalists.

The legislation will be called for a vote next week. Its passage shall lay the groundwork for breaking an impasse on how to fund a statewide construction program and resolve a mass transit funding crisis here in Illinois.

Madigan also said a new, "genuinely independent" state Gaming Board is needed. The speaker wants the governor to select board nominees who meet stringent criteria and pass muster with a panel made up of former judges.

Though Madigan's proposal represents a step toward a long-discussed gambling deal, several obstacles remain. House Republican leader Tom Cross said they include: how money earmarked for education will be divided and the price of the Chicago casino license. A Senate bill approved earlier this year would have the city paying $800 million for its casino,

"Is there an agreement? No," Cross said. "But the list of concerns is getting smaller."

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