CHICAGO | A majority of voters oppose the gambling expansion bill recently passed by the Illinois legislature, according to a survey by the Chicago Crime Commission.
The non-profit civic organization has publicly opposed the plan to allow a casino in Chicago and four others around the state, including one in the south suburbs, along with with a massive expansion of gambling positions at existing casinos and the addition of slots to racetracks and the state fairgrounds.
The survey, released Wednesday, also shows a majority of those surveyed would veto the gambling legislation and ask for greater review of future proposals.
"Governor Quinn has said repeatedly that he wants to hear from anyone with an opinion on the gambling expansion issue and today voters from throughout Illinois responded to his request," said J.R. Davis, chairman and president commission. "If the average voter could sit down with the governor, they would tell him this legislation is bad for Illinois and that they had little input into the decision making process."
Quinn's office did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Among the survey results:
* Twenty-eight percent of registered voters feel Illinois is headed in the right direction while 61 percent feel things are off on the wrong track.
* Three percent have a very favorable view of the state legislature and 22 percent a somewhat favorable view for a total favorable opinion of 25 percent. Another 25 percent have a somewhat unfavorable opinion and 30 percent a very unfavorable opinion for a total unfavorable rating of 55 percent. Suburban Cook County geographically was most unfavorable at 16 percent.
* When the commission initially asked if voters supported or opposed the gaming legislation as an answer to the financial problems facing the state, 35 percent said they were supportive while 54 percent were opposed.
* Fifty-five percent agree with the statement that the gaming legislation will be harmful to the quality of life for Illinois residents. Another 41 percent disagree.
The survey of 600 registered voters was conducted last week by Tel Opinion Research of Alexandria, Va. for the commission. The survey's margin of error is 4 percent.
The study supports the commission's public stance that gambling expansion will open the door to organized crime activity in the state. The group has expressed concerns the expansion bill dilutes the authority of the Illinois Gaming Board, an independent oversight board.
The bill, although approved by both houses of the legislature, has not been sent to the governor. Senate President John Cullerton effectively froze the bill with a motion to reconsider the vote that went unresolved when the legislative session ended May 31.
That move was designed to buy time to sit down with Quinn for discussions before the clock starts for a gubernatorial signature or veto.
The motion to reconsider could be dealt with in special session. Otherwise, it will wait until the Senate reconvenes for the scheduled veto session in October.
"This survey provides a clear and complete reaction to this legislation from the voters of Illinois. We implore Governor Quinn to do the right thing and veto this legislation if it comes to his desk," Davis said.