Supporters of internet gambling in Illinois are hoping that the prospect of a change in the law allowing such gaming will be back on the table in the near future. Supporters of expansion in the State are seeking to make the pro-gambling bill the most attractive as possible to Illinois Governor , Pat Quinn, who has vetoed similar measures numerous times in the past. This effectively means that internet poker and bricks-and-mortar gaming will be treated as separate issues as Quinn is reportedly unsupportive of internet gambling, saying he was Â"not excited about it at all,Â" and that he was not ready to consider it at all - This according to the Associated Press.
The pro-gambling lobby estimate that Illinois could benefit from legalisation to the tune of between $400 million and $1 billion a year in additional tax revenue, and the State already has 10 riverboat casinos in place. However, last summer saw a set-back for expansionists when Quinn rejected a bill that would have created a new land-based casino, four new riverboat casinos and allow existing racetracks to install slot machines.