The Pros And Cons Of All 5 Chicago Casino Proposals

Written By Joe Boozell on December 16, 2021
Hard Rock

The game bidders in Chicago unveiled their proposals to residents on Thursday. City officials will now have the opportunity to select the program they prefer.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot anticipates announcing a winner by the first quarter of 2022. Rush Street Gaming and Bally’s have each submitted two bids, while Hard Rock has submitted one proposal.

The Chicago game method is making progress as the city has selected a bid winner who must now submit an application to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).

After carefully reviewing all the presentations and closely examining the plan details, here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each bet.

Chicago Rivers McCormick

The Pros And Cons Of All 5 Chicago Casino Proposals 2

Pros

  • The Chicago Rivers McCormick proposal is expected to have the quickest route to market. Rather than building a new structure, the plan involves repurposing the current McCormick Place Lakeside Center. The presenters believe that the casino could be up and running within a year of receiving approval from the IGB.
  • Rush Street Gaming, as a co-owner of Rivers Casino Des Plaines, the busiest casino in Illinois, has a strong track record of effective casino management.
  • Rivers is a well-known company in the Chicagoland area.
  • View of the lake from a different perspective.
  • This plan could make use of the current space instead of constructing a new building, which could result in minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.

Cons

    This is the least expensive proposition, costing$ 1.3 billion. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it does raise the question of whether any value will be given up for future Chicago game patrons.

  • Some people may find the location unfavorable due to its lack of convenient public transportation options and proximity to Soldier Field, which may cause traffic congestion. However, the level of traffic in this area varies depending on the time of day.
  • Although there are objections from some in the mainstream industry about adding blackjack, the proposal recommends improvements to the local Arie Crown Theater.

Rivers 78

The Pros And Cons Of All 5 Chicago Casino Proposals 3

Pros

  • According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the location of Rivers 78 Casino is deemed the “most convenient”, positioned between the South Loop and Chinatown.
  • There are many Chicago bus and coach routes that serve this area.
  • It would be situated next to the Chicago River.
  • The construction on the 78 development site has been approved, unlike the proposed One Central mega-development and casino site.
  • Establishing relationships on Rush Street, particularly with companies like Rivers McCormick, can be advantageous. Rivers McCormick is a well-known entertainment company based in Illinois.
  • Rivers has successfully operated games in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
  • The observation deck is situated at an altitude of 1,000 feet.

Cons

    It might be at odds with Gov. Plans for an Illinois University tech research center in a related field are made by JB Pritzker & rsquo.

  • Some residents of Chicago may have a negative reaction to it due to its close proximity to residential areas.
  • This strategy may require more time for development compared to other Rush Street ideas.

Bally & rsquo, a publishing house of the Chicago Tribune

The Pros And Cons Of All 5 Chicago Casino Proposals 4

Pros

  • Bally’s has committed to making a Chicago casino its primary property and the focal point of its casino collection.
  • The payment was rejected by the game. Unlike Rush Street in Rivers, Des Plaines, and Hard Rock in Rockford and Gary, Indiana, there are conflicting interests in the area.
  • Bally’s, an up-and-coming American brand, operates multiple regional sports networks and has also made significant investments in the sports betting industry.
  • Because of its near north side location in Chicago, the casino would be easily accessible from all parts of the city.
  • River panoramas.
  • The plan incorporates a Chicago sports museum as a key feature.
  • Bally’s commits to giving the city an initial payment of $25 million upon being chosen.

Cons

    Phase 1 costs$ 1 billion, and Phase 2 could cost up to$ 600 million, so this plan has several phases. This was particularly mentioned by Rivers McCormick in its presentation.

  • Rivers is a more recognized name in Illinois compared to Bally’s.
  • It would be situated in a more affluent area compared to some rival proposals. Given the existing conditions, how much of an increase could be expected?

McCormick Place, Bally & rsquo

The Pros And Cons Of All 5 Chicago Casino Proposals 5

Pros

  • Bally’s has committed to making a Chicago casino its main property and the focal point of its casino collection.
  • Bally’s does not have any nearby competition, unlike Rush Street (Rivers Des Plaines) and Hard Rock (Rockford Gary).
  • The growth of this product in the US can be attributed to its multiple regional sports networks and substantial investments in the sports betting sector.
  • The game could include various exclusive amenities related to Chicago, such as an Illinois sports museum.
  • Bally will provide the city with an upfront payment of $50 million if chosen.

Cons

  • Additionally, there are multiple development phases that prompt inquiries about the schedule.
  • Some individuals, such as Ald. Fourth Sophia King from the neighborhood, have strongly opposed this request.
  • CTA and Metra do not receive as much visibility as certain other proposals.

One Central Hard Rock

The Pros And Cons Of All 5 Chicago Casino Proposals 6

Pros

    If One Central is constructed, it will have a system of different transportation companies, such as CTA, Metra, and Amtrak. There would therefore be a wide range of public transportation options.

  • The internationally renowned company Hard Rock has been collaborating closely with the IGB on its Rockford project.
  • Given the project’s characteristics, it is expected to drive substantial economic growth in the region, leaving a significant impact on the area.

Cons

    One Central does not yet exist, and in order to be a fact, it needs$ 6.5 billion in state funding.

  • Governor Pritzker’s office has not publicly endorsed One Central.
  • Building the casino may be a lengthy process due to the lack of approval, the current state of infrastructure, and the specific location, even if One Central is eventually developed.
  • Mayor Lightfoot’s office hopes to announce a winner by early 2022, but this timeline may not be realistic due to the state’s backing of One Central.
  • Additionally, travel companies have not publicly endorsed One Central.