5 Options Finally On Table For Future Chicago Casino: What’s Next?

Written By Joe Boozell on November 1, 2021Last Updated on December 8, 2021

The deadline for the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Chicago casino-resort has passed, with the city receiving five bids from three companies.

Two proposals were submitted by Bally’s Corp, whereas two separate bids were put forth by companies under the Rush Street Gaming umbrella. Similarly, a development company collaborating with Hard Rock submitted a proposal.

In a statement, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said:

“We are delighted to have received five outstanding proposals from Bally Corp., HR Chicago LLC, Rivers Chicago at McCormick LLC, and River’s 78 Gaming LLC. The submission of these bids is a significant step towards the smart development of a casino-resort that enhances our businesses, employs and supports our residents, and promotes tourism. We are enthusiastic about proceeding with discussions that will bring this first-rate entertainment experience to our region.”

suggested locations for Chicago games

HR Chicago LLC falls under the Hard Rock category, while The Rivers games are under the Rush Street umbrella. The potential outcome of each game can vary.

    Chicago: Chicago Tribune Publishing Center, Bally & rsquo

    Chicago’s Bally & rsquo: McCormick Place Truck Marshal Yard
Bally & rsquo, s Corp., provided the images.
    McCormick Place Lakeside Center, Rivers Chicago

  • The location of the advancement site for Rivers 78 Gaming LLC in Chicago is in the southern loop.
  • Chicago’s Hard Rock: Mysterious

Bally’s has made a $1.6 billion investment in a Chicago casino.

In a statement, Bally’s chairman Soo Kim said:

& ldquo, Chicago & nbsp, is a dynamic, world-class city, which is why we’re committing to investing$ 1.6 billion in establishing Chicago as our flagship and the only property in its class on the Chicagoland market. With a focus on minority and female buyers, vendors, suppliers, experts, and people, Chicago residents will build, own, manage and operate this house. For future generations, it did gain tax revenue, produce well-paying work, and draw visitors from abroad, domestically and locally. & rdquo,

A step forward for Chicago, Lightfoot

As late as August, the chances for a game in Chicago seemed bleak.

The city was compelled to push the RFP deadline to October, reportedly due to a shortage of bidders. Apart from Rush Street Gaming, there seemed to be no interest.

The Chicago casino project was passed on by MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment. The casino will be subjected to an effective tax rate of 40%, leading some to question if legislative changes would be necessary.

However, Chicago is ideally located with five proposals from renowned gaming companies.

Over the summer, Lightfoot stated that “there are no hometown favorites,” acknowledging Rush Street’s headquarters in Chicago.

It seemed for a time that there might not be any other options for the area. Then there were.

Illinois game bids are present in Chicago

Rush Street, Bally & rsquo, and Hard Rock have all influenced the state to different extents.

Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, co-owned by Rush Street and Churchill Downs, is the most popular game in Illinois. The local recognition of its name could potentially aid in the bidding process.

The casino and hotel formerly known as Jumer’s Casino & Hotel was recently purchased by Bally’s. Following a rebrand, the western Illinois establishment is now referred to as Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel.

Meanwhile, Hard Rock is poised to have a casino in Rockford. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has deemed Hard Rock as “preliminarily suitable” for a license. A temporary casino is scheduled to open in November.

The success of the Chicago game certificate will undoubtedly be renowned in the Land of Lincoln.

What’s next for the Chicago casino, What & rsquo?

Applicants will reveal their plans to the public immediately, possibly in November or December. The winning plan should be selected by Chicago in 2022.

The original plan required applicants to present their ideas in September. But since the RFP deadline has been extended, the entire timeline has been adjusted accordingly.

The business is required to submit an application to the IGB once the capital has selected a winning proposition. It’s worth noting that the IGB has a reputation for taking years to process casino applications.

The city now plans to initiate the game by 2025. Of course, the timing of this approach is as flexible as everything else.

Featured image by Dreamstime.com
Boozell, Joe Avatar
authored by

Boozell, Joe

Joe Boozell has been a college sports writer for NCAA.com since 2015. In addition to this, his work has featured on Bleacher Report, FoxSports.com, and NBA.com. Growing up in the Chicagoland basketball scene, Boozell had the opportunity to compete against the likes of Anthony Davis and Frank Kaminsky. You might be able to picture how those games went.

View all posts by Boozell, Joe