Quinn vetoes 2011 gaming expansion legislation

CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed a piece of old gambling legislation that would have added five new casinos and more slot machines.

This was lawmakers' 2011 attempt, but it didn't go to Quinn's desk until the end of session in January. Quinn had opposed the bill, saying it didn't contain enough ethical protections. He vetoed it Monday.

The legislation proposed more slot machines at existing casinos and allowed horse tracks to have them. Proponents estimated it would bring in $1.6 billion to pay down overdue bills and more than $500 million annually for schools and state-sponsored construction.

Quinn vetoed another gambling expansion attempt last year, saying it needed a ban on political contributions from the gambling industry.

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The bills are SB744 and SB1849.

Online: www.ilga.gov