On Saturday, the Illinois House passed sweeping legislation to legalize sports betting and expand gaming throughout the state.

The expansion also includes the opening of six new casinos. This move puts Rockford, along with Chicago, Danville, Waukegan and Williamson County as areas that now have permission to construct land-based casino properties.

Bill 690 passed the House of Representatives 87 to 27 and is expected head to the State Senate floor for a vote on June 2.

“This work is not done. My vote is not the end of me working on this, because yes, this means we will be getting the building of a Rockford casino. My initiative now becomes to ensure that, with the hundreds of jobs that this brings to our city, that we’re able to procure jobs for many constituents that are coming out of the 67th District,” said Rep. Maurice West (D-67th).

Following its approval, State Senator Dave Syverson said in a statement, “Today, the Illinois House of Representatives has voted to advance a gaming bill which includes language for a Rockford casino. I am confident I have the votes needed to pass this legislation in the Senate tomorrow afternoon. After 10 years of hard work, I’m excited we finally are almost at the finish line. This is a big win for Northern Illinois.”