Governor supports gaming in Chicago area

Ryan ran for office saying he opposed expanding riverboat gambling into the Chicago area. Since taking office, he has been vague on the topic.

But the Republican governor now says he would sign legislation allowing Cook County gambling if it were part of a larger package.

"Cook County is the only county in the state that is not included to have a boat or to have any other gambling," Ryan told reporters. "If you're going to pass a bill that's going to benefit the state... then Cook County's got to be included in the law that says that they can have it."

"Now that doesn't mean that they're going to get (a casino). That's going to be left up to the Gaming Board," Ryan said.

Ryan said the measure probably would have to be included to pass other gambling proposals, such as dockside gambling or more support for horse-racing tracks. He rejected the idea of creating new gambling licenses but would support letting an existing, unused license be transferred to Cook County.

Tom Grey, a lobbyist for anti-gambling forces, said Ryan has told them he opposes casinos in Cook County. He expressed dismay that Ryan had changed positions.

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