New Chicago Casino Site List Narrowed To 5 Locations

Written By Derek Helling on August 21, 2019Last Updated on January 6, 2020
Chicago casino site selection.

Chicago’s north and east sides may feel marginalized, as potential new game locations in the city have been restricted to the south and west sides by a set list.

Lawmakers are currently considering five potential locations, but they have not yet reached a decision and still have a long way to go.

Information on the new Chicago game site choice

According to the Chicago Tribune, Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago put forward five recommendations for the site, which were then utilized to establish the criteria for evaluation by Union Gaming Analytics.

Here are the five places:

  • Harborside
  • Reese Michael
  • State and Pershing
  • Kostner and Roosevelt
  • Steel from US

The study looked into multiple factors, including the proximity of Indiana casinos and available transportation choices. Additionally, it explored:

  • aid from councillors
  • Murder rates
  • family income
  • people concentration

While certain websites may excel in specific areas, determining an overall success can be difficult.

The five blackjack sites’ relative merits

State and Pershing win the transportation option because of their natural traffic flow and abundance of public transportation choices near Guaranteed Rate Field. However, the local alderman’s opposition to having the casino in her ward is a major drawback.

Despite lacking support from the alderman, Reese Michael is still drawn to this area because of its low crime rate and high population density, making it an appealing option among the five possible locations.

Despite having the support of the local alderman, Harborside has the lowest population density of all five sites and faces competition from nearby Indiana casinos.

Kostner and Roosevelt is the nearest site to the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, but it is also the farthest from Indiana casinos. Despite its proximity to wealthier areas, it has the highest crime rate among the five sites.

US Steel does not have the support of aldermen and has the worst transportation options among the five. The area is not served by the CTA “L” and even if you opt to take the bus, some walking will be necessary.

Since no website meets all criteria, there are various alternative options for the game.

A Chicago casino’s fifth option is none of the aforementioned

Lightfoot’s recommendations have no bearing on the final location of the casino, which could still potentially be in the city of Chicago. Placing the casino in the city’s most affluent area would be the logical choice.

Nevertheless, there are other factors to consider. Due to its proximity to Indiana casinos and Rivers Casino, the Chicago area is currently ranked as the third-largest gaming market in the United States.

As a result, the absorption of business is a significant worry. Gaming companies are currently working towards attracting more gambling revenue in the region through the construction of a new blackjack facility in Gary, Indiana.

The Union Gaming Analytics report is anticipated to offer valuable insights on the likelihood of success for a proposed mega-casino in Chicago. If the projections are positive, it could be located at one of the five sites recommended by Lightfoot.