By AP/KWMU
Chicago – Weeks after four Illinois casinos reduced operating hours in response to higher state gambling taxes, a casino in East St. Louis says it wants to be open more hours.
Casino Queen executives asked the Illinois Gaming Board Tuesday for permission to increase hours of operation from 22 to 24 hours a day.
Gaming Board Chairman Elzie Higginbottom says he is open to the idea, especially because several states surrounding Illinois have 24-hour gambling.
The board took no action Tuesday and plans to consider the request next month.
Casino General Manager Craig Travers says the increase in hours would allow the casino to remain competitive with three casinos in Missouri that are open all day.