The Chicago Department of Labor says a Chicago casino would prevent some $200 million in gaming revenue from going to neighboring Indiana each year.
"Common sense will tell you there's no reason to let that money go elsewhere especially since we've already gone through the acrimonious legislation and work changes at McCormick Place," said Jorge Ramirez, Chicago Federation of Labor president. "We did all that, the hard work has been done, it'd be a shame to bring in all our convention business and then let Indiana casinos send limos and busses in to bring our folks after the convention to Indiana to spend their money."
Proponents of a city casino, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, say its revenue would go to fund public education.