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The fate of a proposal to expand gambling in Illinois — including the addition of a land-based casino in Chicago — will be decided Tuesday as Gov. Pat Quinn faces a signing deadline.

The Chicago Democrat repeatedly has said he wants more ethical protections in the plan, which also calls for four more riverboat casinos and allowing slot machines at racetracks.

Quinn has signaled that he is unlikely to sign the bill as it is but has kept quiet on what exactly he plans to do. He has held onto the bill for 60 days, the maximum time allowed after lawmakers send it to him. He could approve it, veto it or use his power of amendatory veto to strike down or change parts he doesn't like.

The governor declined to talk in detail about it a day ahead of his expected decision.

"I've read just about everything I have to read," he said. "It's important on an issue of this magnitude to look at every side and read all the pages. I'll make it clear tomorrow (Tuesday) where I stand."

Quinn has kept his deliberations on the issue private. Sponsors of the bill and the Illinois Gaming Board were not apprised of Quinn's decision.

"I have no idea what his plan will be," said Rep. Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat who sponsored the bill.

At stake is a proposal that could bring in between $300 million and $1 billion a year, according to estimates. Supporters say casinos mean an estimated 100,000 jobs in Illinois and a boost in tourism. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel supports a city casino.

But those opposed to the plan say more casinos could saturate some markets, while others have raised questions about social costs.

The proposal would establish a city-owned Chicago casino with spots for 4,000 people to gamble at once. It also would add riverboat casinos in Danville, Park City, Rockford and an undecided location in Chicago's south suburbs. Each riverboat casino would have 1,600 gambling positions, and Illinois' 10 existing casinos could expand.

Similar attempts at expanding gambling in Illinois have failed. Lawmakers approved a similar plan last year but did not send the plan to Quinn, who had threatened a veto.

Quinn, who isn't opposed to gambling on principal, has said he wants a bill with stronger ethical protections. That includes barring the gambling industry from making political contributions.

"Everybody should be concerned about ethics in our state. We have two governors, my predecessors, both in jail. That's a pretty darn important issue for our state to have integrity at all times in every part of government, and that includes regulating casinos," he said Monday. "It must be airtight when it comes to protecting the public."

In response, lawmakers also filed a so-called trailer bill to address some of Quinn's concerns. However that wouldn't be considered unless the initial law is signed, and Quinn has said he'd rather get all the legislation signed at once.

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The bill is SB1849.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov

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Follow Sophia Tareen at http://twitter.com/sophiatareen.