Although the ITHA is disappointed by the delay in getting slots at our tracks as a result of the veto of SB 1849, we have known for some time now that the Governor has had misgivings on certain ethical issues related to the Gaming Bill and on the timing of this Bill coming to him for his signature prior to addressing the State's pension problems.
The horsemen are grateful to the Governor that he did not mention slots at tracks as something he finds objectionable in the Gaming Bill and that he has signaled he is comfortable with additional gaming at the tracks to help our industry and based on conversations that we have had we believe that is the case.
We are hopeful that a similar bill can be brought to a vote as early as the November veto session with a sitting legislature that knows all of the issues related to this bill, and with tweaks to address the Governor's concerns, we believe that we will be able to give the Governor a gaming bill that he will sign, recognizing that this bill is necessary for the survival of the horse racing industry in Illinois.
Mike Campbell, President
Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Inc.
