Will be updated.
An Illinois House committee has approved a new, smaller gambling plan that backers hope can survive a threatened veto by Gov. Pat Quinn.
It passed 8-2. Democratic Rep. Lou Lang says the measure could be changed even more before a vote by the full House.
Lawmakers approved a major gambling expansion during the spring legislative session. But they never bothered sending the bill to Quinn out of fear that he would veto it. The Democratic governor has a number of concerns, particularly the idea of allowing slot machines at horseracing tracks.
The new proposal would still allow slots at racetracks but not at Chicago airports. It also lowers the amount of growth allowed for existing casinos.
It would allow five new casinos, including one in downtown Chicago.
