Emerald Casino Troubles
December 1st, 2007
In Illinois, The State Appellate Court have ruled that the law which allowed the Emerald Casino firm to move its operation to Rosemont does not prevent the Illinois Gaming Board from revoking the firm’s gambling license.
The Emerald Casino firm has been fighting for years to open a branch in Rosemont, and had its license revoked in 2005 after an investigation found that officials had lied to state investigators and sold shares to investors with ties to organized crime rings.
Emerald had appealed against the ruling, citing a law passed in 1999 which they believed gave them the right to open a casino in Rosemont. The ruling, given this Monday by a panel of the District Appellate Court in Chicago was unanimous.
The ruling was praised by Illinois attorney General Lisa Madigan, who said that it helps ‘protect the interests of the people of Illinois against unsuitable individuals operating casinos.’ No one from Emerald was available for comment, although Emerald have asked to appeal the ruling to the Illinois Supreme Court.
If they lose the appeal, then the 10th casino gambling license will become open, allowing an expansion of gambling in the state – something that is presently under discussion as lawmakers consider allowing another land-based casino in the area, as well as slot machines at race tracks. Other options for the expansion of gambling in Chicago include the increasing of the number of riverboat casino licenses available.