Why All 3 Chicago Casino Proposals Are Facing Serious Public Backlash

Earlier this month, three community meetings were held in Chicago for casinos including Hard Rock, Bally’s and Rivers. These meetings allowed residents to present their questions to these establishments.

Concerns were raised by Chicago residents, many of whom are opposed to a game in their area. They questioned and expressed worries about all three companies.

Their main concerns included increasing traffic, escalating crime rates, issues with gambling, decreasing property values, and an overall deterioration in living standards.

All of the ideas have valid concerns, even if those enthusiastic enough to attend a community meeting do not represent the general public’s view. The concerns are not directly connected to the proposals themselves; instead, they provide a robust reason for the popularity of the third-largest game in the US.

Regardless, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her team appear unbothered. It is expected that by this summer, Lightfoot will choose a successful game plan for Chicago.

popular worries about the game in Chicago

Below are the most common complaints about each charge, as reported by locals and authorities:

One Central Hard Rock

This week, Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) announced that she couldn’t back the game proposal program by Hard Rock, which is near Soldier Field.

In an article, Dowell stated:

The potential incorporation of The Hard Rock Casino at One Central into a thriving, well-established residential area in Chicago’s South Loop, specifically the Prairie District, concerns me due to the magnitude of the casino’s plans.

Dowell went on to say that while she is against the Hard Rock initiative, she is in favor of a game in Chicago.

At the assembly near One Central development, there was significant concern regarding the Hard Rock plan. The game could potentially be situated in One Central, but the multi-billion dollar mixed-use project still requires approval.

Some locals are against One Central for the same reason Dowell stated.

Chicago’s Bally & rsquo, s

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) is in favor of a Chicago casino, but is against the idea of one in his political jurisdiction.

Reilly expressed his hope regarding Mayor Lightfoot:

“Residents of River North, River West, and Fulton River District have their concerns addressed with the same seriousness and consideration by & ldquo as those living in the 3rd and 25th wards. Our public safety pension systems are hinging on the city’s & rsquo initiatives to inaugurate a casino in Chicago and Madison. & rdquo.”

Furthermore, it was mentioned that launching a game

“It would be a missed opportunity for Chicago to economically benefit if it ignores one of the city’s already thriving, fastest-growing, high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods.”

As one might expect, residents expressed displeasure during the community meeting at the idea of a game being located in the heart of their personal neighborhood.

Rivers 78

Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th) strongly criticized the selection process, suggesting it was “rigged” and skewed in favor of the Rivers proposal. He is against the project.

A protest also took place outside the community meeting for Rivers 78. The proposed casino location is close to Chinatown which has raised serious concerns for Grace Chan McKibben, the executive director of the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community.

She stated that entertainment companies have uniquely exploited Chinatown residents, making them especially vulnerable to game advertising.

She also expressed concerns about sound, transportation, and other problems.