SPRINGFIELD - The state of Illinois could soon begin offering even more ways to gamble.

Along with legalizing video gambling in bars, two separate pieces of legislation are awaiting approval that would allow people to wager their money without ever leaving home.

Under one proposal, which awaits action by Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois horse racing tracks could partner with Internet gambling sites, which would then act as electronic off-track betting parlors for the tracks.

Bettors could set up accounts and wager on races on their personal computers or hand-help devices. Losses would be deducted from the prepaid accounts and wins would be added to them.

Under a separate plan, officials at the Illinois Lottery have asked for an opinion from the U.S. Department of Justice about whether it's legal to let people pick lottery numbers and buy their tickets over the Internet.

State officials say the two plans would bring much needed revenue to the state's cash-starved coffers.

The on-line horse betting legislation is viewed by some as a way for the racing industry to keep a tenuous toe-hold in the gambling world.

The advent of casinos has chipped away at Illinois' horse racing industry, leaving it struggling to stay alive. Revenues have fallen by half in recent years and could face even steeper declines if more people turn to newly legalized video gambling in bars and taverns.

Enthusiasm about on-line horse betting is tempered even among those in the industry.

For example, current wagers are split between the horsemen and the state's track owners. If on-line wagering is approved, the money will be divided three ways, with on-line companies getting a share.

"It's not going to save the industry. It is not going to generate very much revenue," said Steve Brubaker of the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association.

It also won't mean a windfall for the state. Supporters say the plan will bring in between $1.5 million and $2.2 million in a budget that tops $26 billion.

It remains unclear how much revenue on-line lottery sales would generate.

"We think there's a revenue bump in that," said lottery superintendent Jodie Winnett.

Gambling opponents say the dual threat of at-home lottery playing and horse wagering is a bad move by the state.

"At a time when many Illinois residents have lost their jobs and investments, it is unconscionable to expand gambling to the Internet and entice people to gamble from home or on their cell phones," gambling opponent Anita Bedell of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems wrote in a recent letter to Quinn.

Although Quinn's office is moving forward with the legal review of the Lottery idea, the governor has not indicated his position on the horse betting proposal.

"The legislation is being reviewed," said Quinn spokeswoman Marlena Jentz.

kurt.erickson@lee.net / 217-789-0865