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Online Gaming: Key To Casino?

DANVILLE, Ill. -- Online gaming could be the key to getting a casino. The details aren't quite worked out with how online gaming could work, but one lawmaker wants to bring the option to the table as part of negotiations to bring more casinos to Illinois.

Rep. Chad Hays (R-Catlin) says having a local casino would mean hitting the jackpot for jobs.

"There would be 750-800 permanent jobs," said Hays. "The salaries for those jobs would be consistently higher than the median income of the people here in the Danville area."

Hays said a couple gaming expansion bills were introduced over the past year, and one passed through the General Assembly. It involves the possibility of five different casinos throughout the state, including one in Danville.

Lawmakers have been trying to expand gambling in the state for years, but Governor Quinn won't sign the bill because he opposes the idea of slot machines in airports or race tracks. The mayor of Danville has lobbied in Springfield for gambling expansion.

Hays said legislators are continuing discussion and hope to have a final answer by spring.