SPRINGFIELD - Before Illinois lawmakers vote to expand gambling, House Speaker Michael Madigan says they should first toughen oversight of the state's casinos.

In an announcement Monday, the Chicago Democrat called for a major overhaul of the state's casino regulators aimed at ensuring the "integrity of gaming in the state."

The proposal comes as lawmakers are in the midst of the longest overtime session in state history because of disagreements between Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones and Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Jones and Blagojevich are backing a plan that would add up to three new casinos and thousands of gaming positions at the state's existing casinos to finance a road, bridge and school construction program.

The centerpiece of the plan is a massive casino in Chicago.

In unveiling his proposal, Madigan acknowledged he hadn't yet sought the support of Jones or Blagojevich.

Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch, however, said the governor agrees with the intent of Madigan's plan.

"We're interested in the same thing the speaker is," Rausch said.

Jones spokeswoman Cindy Davidsmeyer, however, raised questions about completely eliminating the existing gaming board.

"We don't know of any problems with the current gaming board as it now exists," Davidsmeyer said.

In addition, she said a Senate version of the gambling expansion proposal contains language aimed at reforming the board and toughening ethics rules for members.

Madigan made it clear he believes no gambling expansion will take place unless his oversight plan is considered.

He said the revamped board "is an essential pre-condition for any further expansion of casino gambling in the state."

"If we are going to expand gaming in Illinois, we need to make sure it is the citizens of the state who get the house edge when it comes to the oversight and regulation of casinos," Madigan said.

The proposal would abolish the current gaming board and replace it with five members, including at least two former state or federal judges from Illinois. The new members would not be able to hold other jobs and would make up to $166,000 per year.

The plan also would toughen ethics and open government requirements for members. The plan also would restructure who investigates alleged violations of state gambling laws.

From a timing perspective, Madigan's proposal would further delay attempts to put a statewide construction program on a fast track.

In order for the gambling expansion to move forward, the state would have to first identify and approve the new members of the gaming board, as well as hire a new enforcement guru and staff.

Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, believes Madigan's proposal should be considered because of the importance of getting a statewide construction program in place.

"We're certainly willing to look at the specifics," said Watson spokeswoman Patty Schuh.

The House returns to action Thursday and the Senate will be in town Friday. Madigan said the House will likely vote on a plan Friday to help prop up financially ailing mass transit systems in the Chicago region.