SPRINGFIELD - The state House approved legislation to abolish riverboat gambling in Illinois, but one Democrat leader called for all casino licenses to go on the auction block.

Marion Democrat State Rep. John Bradley's crusade to scuttle Illinois' nine riverboat casinos quickly turned towards the political as House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, used Thursday's vote to send a message.

"I voted to repeal Illinois riverboat gaming because the current system is broke," said Madigan in a prepared statement. "A small group of people became millionaires because of Illinois riverboat gaming, but the people of Illinois have never received a fair return in exchange for these monopolies."

Madigan also called for auctions "to ensure maximum benefits to the people of Illinois."

Bradley said he was unaware of Madigan's maneuvering until the vote was over and reporters provided him a copy of the speaker's statement.

"My purpose was exactly what it was: to eliminate riverboat gambling," Bradley said. "It's been a detriment to our society. It has not been what it was supposed to be for the state of Illinois."

Bradley floated the proposal earlier this year as several lawmakers were calling for more riverboats and a land-based casino in Chicago.

The legislation, House Bill 1920, would end riverboat gambling by July 1, 2007, and require the state to provide grants for retraining employees.

During debate, gambling supporters dismissed the proposal as unrealistic and bad for the state as well as local economies.

The Illinois Department of Revenue estimates the state would lose $707 million per year in taxes and local communities would take a $112 million hit annually. The Illinois Gaming Board suggests that nearly 9,000 riverboat jobs would be lost as well as 50,000 non-casino jobs supporting the industry.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Madigan's proposal is "intriguing."

"I just feel if your going to do something like have riverboats and licenses where you can make all kinds of money that people have to get their fair share," he said.

State Rep. Mike Boland said Bradley's proposal would not likely pass the Senate, but, the East Moline Democrat said he did support the speaker's call for an auction.

Boland would like to see more revenue sharing among communities surrounding a casino. Currently, only the city where the boat is based gets any money.

The Illinois Casino Gaming Association opposes a license auction.

The proposal passed 67-42 and now heads to the Senate.

Matt Adrian can be reached at matt.adrian@;lee.net or 789-0865.