If those folks are gonna lose their money, they might as well lose it in Chicago," commented a Windy City alderman last month, talking about the possibility of a casino there.

City Council Finance Committee Chairman Edward M. Burke told the Chicago Sun Times last month that he saw a lot money being spent in casinos in Indiana, and after hearing Mayor Richard Daley talking about the need for new revenue, likes the idea of one in his town.

Jerry Roper, president of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, supports a casino in the downtown area, near the big hotels and theaters.

The mayor, whose statements in favor of a city casino have been tempered by statements against it, notes that the city can't allow a casino until the state legislature authorizes it.

He added, "You can't just pluck it anyplace. A lot of these places, if you look at them, the people just go there and leave. A lot of it, there's no economic increase for anybody around that place. It's like isolation."

Daley also prefers that the casino be government-owned.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.