By Angela Hatton
Metropolis, IL – A bill to expand gambling in Illinois won't affect Harrah's riverboat casino in Metropolis, but an Illinois Senator says it will be good for horse farms. The state senate passed the bill this week, which would increase the number of employees riverboat casinos could have to 2,000 by 2013. The current law caps employees at 1,200. According to the Metropolis Area Chamber of Commerce, Harrah's employs around 600, well below the limit. But the measure would also increase gambling at racetracks. Southern Illinois Democratic Senator Gary Forby voted in favor of the bill, because he says it will benefit the area farmers who supply horse to state tracks. The House is set to consider the expanded gambling bill when it reconvenes next month.