Don't raise the stakes - 2004-02-01
Florida voters overwhelmingly rejected casino gambling three times between 1978 and 1994. However, with the help of the governor and Legislature, casino-type gambling is sneaking through the back door of jai-alai frontons and race tracks.

One venue trying to crack open the door is the Sarasota Kennel Club. The owners of the dog track have asked the Sarasota County Commission for permission to open a card room where poker would be played for as much as $200 a hand.
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Illinois could become first state owner of casino under bid plan - 2004-02-01
Illinois would become the first state to own a casino, under a $506 million bid put forward by a gambling hall operator.

Penn National Gaming, a private company, is bidding for Illinois' last remaining casino license. It is proposing to build a $255 million casino, sell it to Illinois for $1, and then manage it for the state, a source to the bidding process said.

Penn, which wants to build the casino in the Chicago suburb of Rosement, is bidding against six other companies.
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