Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said it’s up to House members to decide if they’ll go along with state Rep. Bob Rita’s expanded gambling amendments: one focusing on a single state-run casino in Chicago with 10,000 positions, the other offering a smaller Chicago casino and five suburban casinos. The plans would generate 0 million to billion in revenue for the state.
Rita’s amendments could face challenges from Governor Pat Quinn, who has said he had concerns over ethics and regulatory issues in the past. Previously he has vetoed two expanded gambling bills.
Also in Illinois, Blackhawk Restaurant Group has opened more than two dozen Penny’s and Betty’s Bistro internet cafes in Hickory Hills, Countryside, Calumet Park, Lemont, Lockport, Crestwood, Alsip, Joliet and Crest Hill. New locations also will open at the Oak Lawn-Chicago Ridge border, Bridgeview, Calumet City and Matteson.
The cafes range from about 1,500 to 2,100 square feet, with five gambling machines each, as allowed by state law. Each cafe employs 10 to 16 people. Hours generally are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and up to 11 p.m. or midnight on weekends.
Co-owner Mike Thiessen said his clientele primarily are women. The cafes “operate like delis or bistros. We offer sandwiches and a light menu with free coffee for players,” he said. Thiessen emphasized, “We are not a bar. We are well lit. We have plenty of cameras for security. We have a three-drink limit.”
Attendants are on hand to help player. Jerry Luterman, an attendant at the Countryside Betty’s Bistro, said, “We specialize in customer service. There are about 20 regulars who come in on my shift. Some like friendly banter while others want to be left alone with their cup of coffee. The guests love that there are no TVs.”
Blackhawk Restaurant Group started in Oregon and operates cafes in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and Illinois.
