SPRINGFIELD - Some state Republicans are gambling that thousands of new slot machines will pay off for Illinois schools and roads.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross is pushing a plan to make $5 billion in physical upgrades to state schools, roads and universities. The money would come from the creation of 6,000 new gaming positions slot machines or spots at table games at Illinois' existing riverboats.

Lawmakers haven't approved major infrastructure spending since 2000. Emphasizing the need for capital money, Cross says he would look at options aside from gambling if other reasonable ideas surface.

"We're always willing to talk," the Oswego Republican said. "We're for capital as long as there's a way to pay for it."

Cross says the sale of 6,000 new positions would create $500 million the first year, and about $450 million in years afterward to pay for the construction costs. But he admitted he hasn't yet talked about the plan to many Democrats, who control all levels of state government.

But getting a plan for more gambling approved could be difficult. House lawmakers approved a largely symbolic measure in 2005 to abolish the state's riverboat casinos a sign that they might not have gung-ho attitudes toward new gambling opportunities.

Still, State Rep. Dan Brady, a Bloomington Republican, says more casino positions should be considered because the billions of dollars they could bring is needed.

"We're asking our colleagues on the other side to meet us on this," he said. "We're stepping up to the plate with a plan."

House Speaker Michael Madigan's spokesman Steve Brown said it's unclear whether any kind of gambling expansion could gain traction again. But the idea has been mentioned by officials looking for money for a variety of state programs.

"Gaming's been mentioned as the fund-all for all the state's mega-problems," Brown said.

He agreed there was a need for state capital money, but said that a plan for more casino spots could get stopped short if a provision for slots at horse racetracks isn't included.

Cross' plan would include $500 million in spending for universities and community colleges, but it wasn't clear Monday exactly which projects would get money.

"I'm sure their needs can exceed $500 million," Brady said.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.