Intriguing Casino Scenario Takes Shape - 2004-02-05
A riverboat casino in Rosemont, owned by the State of Illinois, and run by a Pennsylvania gambling company?

That intriguing scenario will most likely be accepted Rosemont, a village spokesman said last week, IF the state is willing and able to get directly involved in the gaming business rather than just regulating it.

The first phase of the bidding process to buy out bankrupt Emerald Casino Inc., acquire its license, and relocate a casino in Rosemont or some other area town has been completed. Seven bids have been received by the state, and the most intriguing and unique one comes from Penn National, a Pennsylvania-based company that operates casinos in several states, including the Hollywood facility in Aurora, IL.
Read the full story at Des Plaines Journal

Pro-Casino Group Blasts Mayor 'Last-Minute Campaign Stunt' - 2004-02-05
With just under two weeks remaining before Dane County voters go to the polls on allowing a Ho-Chunk casino, Madison's mayor is raising some legal concerns.

Dave Cieslewicz told reporters Wednesday he's worried that the revenue sharing agreements negotiated with the city and the county are not yet legally binding. Cieslewicz said the Ho-Chunk Nation hasn't received the required federal approvals it needs on the local casino agreements, and that could raise concerns before and after the Feb. 17 referendum.
Read the full story at WISC