IS ILLINOIS READY FOR A STATE-RUN CASINO?

While Missourians were settling in to a new era of voter-approved casinos on dry land, the lame-duck governor of Illinois, Jim Edgar, was suggesting that the state get into the casino business -- not as a regulator sharing in the proceeds, but as a riverboat operator taking all the winnings.

There were some immediate critics of the idea who suggested the governor was making a final gesture for a political supporter whose racetrack in the Chicago area was among the victims of the virtual demise of horse racing following the advent of riverboat gambling.

While this may be an important political discussion for folks in Illinois, the bigger question is whether states should own and operate casinos. After all, many states now run highly profitable lotteries.

With all of the pitfalls of the gambling business in general, it is cause for concern to think statehouse bureaucrats would be in charge of slot machines and blackjack tables.

After all, when was the last time taxpayers saw a well-run government bureaucracy?

The suggestion for a state-owned casino in neighboring Illinois may be little more than a wedge to get more for state coffers from the existing riverboat operators. In general, it can be hoped the state will stick to regulating gambling rather than running the operation.