The sponsor of a plan that would allow a video gambling corporation to monitor games across Illinois says he expects a final vote by the end of the week. Illinois issues a contract with a private company to make sure video gambling games follow state guidelines. State law currently prevents a game manufacturer from filling that role. But Representative Frank Mautino says Scientific Games, a national gaming corporation, submitted the bid before that law went into effect.
“We hope to help preserve some Illinois jobs, help an Illinois company, and do something fair to help the system run a little bit smoother than it does now.”
Mautino, a Democrat from Spring Valley, says more than a thousand jobs could leave Illinois if Scientific Games isn’t allowed to continue manufacturing games. Other gaming manufacturers say they’re concerned Scientific Games might gain “unfair advantages,” like knowing what types of games its rivals plan to released. The measure has already passed the Senate. It would go to the governor if it clears the House.