Chicago Casino Update: Downtown Is Prize Location For Most Potential Operators

The city of Chicago has published a summary of responses received for its August Request For Information (RFI), revealing that most potential operators favor a downtown location for a casino.

Eleven companies replied to the RFI, with eight expressing interest in building the game in or near the city. One proposed a location on the south side, near Lake Calumet.

The people failed to mention a preferred area.

Well-known providers such as Rush Street Gaming, Wynn Resorts, Hard Rock International, and MGM Resents International were among the responders. Notably, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines is actually owned by Rush Street.

It’s not surprising that prospective operators favor a location in downtown. While Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has previously championed for the south or west sides in an effort to stimulate economic growth, a downtown hub offers more promising financial opportunities.

Despite the slow progress, the Chicago game project is finally starting to gain momentum.

Momentary game in Chicago in the near future?

In the conclusion, six respondents expressed their preference to operate a temporary casino while building their larger, permanent facility.

In their view, the initial cash flow would help offset the cost of maintaining continuous service. They also highlighted the creation of jobs and initial taxation. They saw the capacity to establish a reliable user base quickly as another benefit.

Three respondents were against the idea of a makeshift game, citing potential business instability and extra costs related to building a temporary service as their reasons.

Two responders left this topic unanswered.

According to responses, the construction of the everlasting game could take anywhere from 24 to 36 months.

They do not foresee COVID-19 significantly affecting the selection or licensing of the facility, as positive updates about the vaccine continue to emerge.

Every respondent believed that renovating an existing game would be a better choice than creating a completely new one.

Furthermore, they all agreed that it should be located somewhere other than the ongoing site.

additional features

Most respondents agreed that the game might include a resort.

One individual raised an objection, stating that it would immediately affect hotels in the Chicago area. However, there was a hint that a hotel might eventually be built by it.

Every respondent concurred on the critical importance of the casino functioning as a multi-purpose facility. They anticipate that the gaming floors will span an area of 100,000 to 200,000 square feet.

Numerous game reports in Illinois in late 2020

To put it mildly, the past few months have been quite hectic with numerous updates regarding Illinois casinos.

Pritzker closed the 10 casinos in the state in November to curb the spread of COVID-19. Over the past month, Illinois has emerged as a major hot spot for the virus.

In 2020, Pritzker shut down gambling in Illinois twice, initiating the first phase in March.

In late October, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) decided not to make decisions on several casino license applications. Rather, eight applicants opted to amend their applications.

The decision was contentious as it was alleged that the IGB had a month to decide following the submission of programs.

As a result of the 2019 Illinois Gambling Act, six innovative gambling facilities can be constructed in Chicago, Danville, Williamson County, Waukegan, Rockford, and the southern cities of Illinois.

As of now, no new licenses have been issued. Chicago might still be the newest member of this group, but only just.