Illinois Casino Gaming Association Comments on Blagojevich Budget Address

High gaming tax, slots at racetracks could cost state between $525 million and $675 million in sale of 10th casino license

The Illinois Casino Gaming Association (ICGA) is a not-for-profit organization representing the riverboat gaming industry in Illinois. Together, these businesses are the entertainment of choice for millions of people, recording nearly 20 million visits each year. We are active corporate citizens who provide a huge boost to local and state economies.

The casino gaming industry provides 11,000 jobs to Illinois citizens, and every year injects more than $1 billion into the state's economy, including nearly $500 million in funding for Illinois schools. We spend millions of dollars with local vendors and suppliers and stimulate tourism, attracting numerous out-of-state visits a year to our communities.

Illinois casinos are dedicated to the communities where they do business, as well as to Illinois as a whole. In 2001, casinos donated more than $35 million to charities and civic projects across the state. In addition, ICGA actively promotes responsible gaming as a funder of 1-800-GAMBLER, a 24/7 help line and referral service for problem gamblers, and is a supporter of The Outreach Foundation and other programs aiding those impacted by problem gaming.

We invite you to take a moment to read about the casino industry's contributions to Illinois. Together, we look forward to continuing to help foster the growth of our communities.