As Illinois lawmakers attempt to craft a new gambling expansion bill, state Rep. Marty Moylan said, “One of the things we desire to end is Des Plaines’ sharing agreement.” Moylan represents the district that includes the state’s most successful casino, Rivers Casino.
Moylan stated if more casinos are allowed to operate in Illinois, generating millions more in revenue for the state and local governments, then the amount Des Plaines shares annually with the state should drop from $10 million to $4-$5 million.
The 10 cities where casinos operate in Illinois receive millions of dollars in host community tax income. Since Rivers Casino opened in 2011, Des Plaines has received $56.7 million and the state of Illinois has received $64.6 million. In addition, Des Plaines agreed to give to 10 needy South suburban communities 40 percent of the revenue that remained after paying off the state. As a result, through 2017, those 10 towns have received $37.8 million in revenue that could have gone to Des Plaines—but the city used that income to secure the agreement allowing Rivers to operate there.
Moylan said in addition to receiving those funds from Des Plaines, the 10 South suburbs also allow video gaming, bringing their total benefit from gaming operations to $40.5 million. Des Plaines does not allow video gaming in any of its bars or restaurants.
In addition, Moylan said, most if not all 10 South suburbs support allowing a new casino to operate in their immediate area, potentially providing even more income. If one or more of those 10 communities should receive permission from the Illinois Gaming Board to allow a casino, then the agreement between Des Plaines and those communities should be significantly changed or dropped, freeing up $6 million a year for Des Plaines, Moylan said.
The bill that may be proposed also could call for more gaming positions at existing and new casinos, bringing in additional income as a result.
