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* From the recent blockbuster Tribune story on video gaming magnate Rick Heidner…
In 2012, the Gaming Board granted Heidner’s Gold Rush a license to operate video gambling machines. Two board members recently told the Tribune that Heidner’s ties to the Suspenzis would have been an obvious red flag, but they had no recollection of being informed of the real estate deals by the agency’s investigators.
“If that was brought to the board’s attention, it would have been a definite no,” said Maribeth Vander Weele, who served on the Gaming Board when Gold Rush’s license was approved without dissent.
“It certainly would have been a big factor,” said former Judge Aaron Jaffe, who was Gaming Board chairman at the time. “But I don’t recall hearing anything like that.”
Heidner had hoped to become a racino owner, but the Tribune story and Gov. Pritzker’s decision not to sell state land to make it happen put the kibosh on the whole thing.
* Heidner’s testimony to the Racing Board yesterday disputed that the Gaming Board was in the dark about his business ties…
He also swore that the Gaming Board knew of his relationships with Parkway Bank Chairman Rocco Suspenzi and convicted felon Dominic Buttitta, and had no problem with the ties when it awarded him a video gambling license in 2012. Heidner also acknowledged that he remains in business with the people “in question.”
“My video gaming license was approved (in 2012) after a 24-month intensive investigation. All my business relationships were disclosed to investigators, and the relationships in question were explicitly discussed with multiple (Illinois Gaming Board) agents and investigators. As these business relationships were ongoing, they had been disclosed and further discussed at each annual review of my licenses over the last seven years,” Heidner testified. “I have no affiliation with the mafia at all.”
What investigators knew about Heidner at the time remains secret because Illinois gambling statutes exempt gaming license applications from open records laws.
This can be resolved by opening up Heidner’s Gaming Board file. Let’s see who’s telling the truth.
To be clear, I’m not saying at all that Heidner should get a pass on the racino or on his video gaming license renewal that comes up next year. But if what he told the Racing Board yesterday was accurate, then some former Gaming Board members and perhaps some current board employees need to be held accountable.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 10:17 am
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A little sunlight would certainly clear up who’s telling the truth here. Don’t hold your breath.
Also should the racing board really be holding meetings in the back room of an OTB? No public facilities available? Seems a little too cozy.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 10:24 am
I am sure if he just explains this to the Feds they will remove his name from these pesky search warrants.
Comment by Not Again Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 10:26 am
All gaming board files should be open to public. And before any license awarded should be either public hearings or opportunity for public comments
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 10:36 am
Whats the problem ? This is the Illinois way, no one should be surprised.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 10:37 am
Why isn’t the same debate occurring on the people who are selling - growing cannibas and approved by the state
Comment by Weed Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 10:50 am
“I have no affiliation with the mafia at all.”
Just having to make that clear to everybody might be a concern.
Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 11:10 am
The license application cannot be subject to disclosure according to the articles. Yet it appears that investigations took place with multiple agents and investigators. I am assuming the multiple agents and investigators created a file and authored reports with their findings. Are those reports and findings subject to FOIA?
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 12:05 pm
Guessin’ Mr Heidner has a copy of his app and could unveil without regard so state limits. Some will recall the applications were considered confidential because financial data (perhaps tax returns) were included. How about a shiny new quarter to the first sleuth to ask
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 2:08 pm
Did the earlier suggestion that some eagle eye scribe ring up Mr Heidner and ask for his copy of the application get spiked?
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 2:45 pm
aha so lst post was not spiked. what a gracious gatekeeper Capt Fax can be.
Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Oct 16, 19 @ 2:59 pm