Illinois Senate delays vote on gambling

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate is putting the brakes on yet another attempt to expand casino gambling.

Senate officials expected a vote on the floor as early as Thursday. But after a closed-door meeting, majority Democrats put it off.

A spokeswoman for Senate President John Cullerton says supporters will continue discussions to ensure passage.

A committee approved a plan Wednesday to add casinos in five cities — including Chicago — and to put tax revenue from them toward public education.

That Wednesday vote came hours after Gov. Pat Quinn said in a speech announcing his budget plan that he would be open to expanded gambling if money went toward schools. The Democrat has vetoed two similar gambling proposals in the past year.

___

The bill is SB1739.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov