Head of Illinois Gaming Board Resigns

The embattled chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, criticized over the panel's decision to approve a riverboat sale over the objections of regulatory staff, has resigned. Robert Vickrey, a board member since 1992, sent his resignation letter to Gov. George Ryan, who appointed him chairman last summer. Ryan name Gregory Jones as the new chairman. Anti-gambling activists had been pressing for Vickrey's resignation since the board voted 3-1 on Nov. 30 to approve the purchase of the Empress riverboat casinos by casino mogul Jack Binion, owner of Horseshoe Gambling, for $609 million. That decision came on the last day before deadlines for financing and regulatory approval that could have sunk the deal.