It’s Time for a Casino in Rockford, says Two State Senators

This is not the first time this conversation has been had, but this time it's a little different. This time opposing political parties agree.

Republican Senator Dave Syverson and Democratic Senator Steve Stadelman are on the sam page when it comes to Rockford getting a casino. That's a big deal. Both senators were quoted at wrex.com.

"If it's offered in the state and it's legal in the state, we should be able to offer it here in Rockford," (Sen. Stadelman)

 

"Last year, about $1.5 billion of Illinois revenue went to the surrounding five states, so, let's build facilities to allow people to stay in Illinois and bring people to Illinois." (Sen. Syverson)

Not everyone is on board with a Rockford casino, like Lee Schreiner of Rockford Urban Ministries. "It doesn't have any productive element to it, it's just taking money out of people's pockets that they would spend on other legitimate activities like buying clothes for their kids."

I would love to see a casino in Rockford. While gambling can become a problem for some, that's not everyone. And like Sen. Stadelman, getting rid of all of the gambling won't make the problem go away. Many of the slot machine businesses that have opened in the area aren't locally owned, so much of the money they generate doesn't stay here. A casino would generate more jobs, another venue for entertainment and could be financially rewarding for the Rockford area.

The proposal for gaming expansion and a casino is still in progress and could possible be in the hands of Illinois legislature by November.