Earlier this week, the Illinois Senate passed legislation that would be the biggest expansion of gambling in Illinois in more than 20 years. The legislation now awaits Gov. Pat Quinn’s approval.

The proposed gambling package includes a casino in Chicago, slot machines at racetracks and at O’Hare and Midway airports and casinos in the suburbs. Proponents point to jobs that will be created, one-time fees to be collected and annual revenues from taxes.

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Opponents argue consumer dollars will just be spent differently, instead of increased. This is a major victory for the new Mayor Rahm Emanual, who worked hard to get the package approved. However, Gov. Quinn is said to be against the gambling package.

I find the slot machines in the airports to be the most intriguing part of the proposal. Slots will certainly be extremely popular in either airport. I am not much of a slots guy (I’m more into Pai Gow and Blackjack), but I admit I would probably play a machine or two while there.

I really wonder if people would arrive earlier than necessary, just to have a little extra playing time. Adding slots might ease the congestion, if some travelers arrive early. Airport eateries might also sell a few extra items if travelers are there longer. Maybe I am being optimistic, but I don’t see any downsides to slots in the airport. McCarran International Airport, which serves Las Vegas, has more than 1,200 slot machines. In the last few years, Minnesota, Florida and Maryland, among others, have been debating slots in their airports. Whether in Chicago or one of those other cities, slots will eventually be present in airports.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist