20,000 Casino Jobs Are Coming To Illinois; Here’s Where To Find Them

Residents of the Prairie State will receive more than just entertainment from new Illinois casinos.

Currently, six casino licenses are in different stages of processing in Illinois. The fruits of regulatory efforts will soon yield thousands of job opportunities for residents. From construction to daily operations maintenance, about 20,000 casino-related positions, both temporary and full-time, will open up.

Here is the present status of each brand-new game in Illinois along with the potential job opportunities they may create.

Employment at Hard Rock Casino in Rockford

Hard Rock’s temporary casino, The Opening Act, is now open for business. It will, however, operate only until the permanent casino is finished in the fall of 2023. Approximately 16,600 construction workers and 3,140 permanent staff will be needed for Hard Rock’s permanent facility in Rockford.

The Opening Act, with its expansive area of 37,000 square feet, houses over 625 slot machines and electric table games, as well as two restaurants. The exact number of slot machines and table games is yet to be disclosed. However, the ongoing gaming area will eventually expand to 65,000 square feet. Facilities at the location will also include a Hard Rock Cafe, several other undisclosed bars and restaurants, and an entertainment and music venue with a seating capacity of 1,600.

Update: May 16 Hard Rock career good

Hard Rock will be conducting a meeting with prospective employees for the casino’s daily operations. Those who are interested should bring their updated resume and either a state ID or a government-issued driver’s license. Before the event, interested individuals are required to apply online.

On May 16, between 1 and 5 p.m.
• Location: Hard Rock, 610 Normality, Bell School Road, Rockford, Illinois at Rock River Bar and Grill.

Some of the initial positions at Hard Rock include roles in money operations, food and beverage, surveillance, security, and the casino floor. Hard Rock offers a wide range of benefits such as a competitive salary, an extensive health insurance plan, tuition reimbursement, retirement benefits, and more.

Jobs at the Golden Nugget Casino in Danville

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recently declared Danville as “preliminarily suitable” to receive a casino license.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place last week to mark the commencement of a gaming facility’s construction. It’s estimated that it will take 11 months for the casino to be fully constructed and ready for visitors. The casino in Danville will encompass 41,500-square-feet and will house a Golden Nugget Sportsbook, 500 slot machines, 14 table games, and two restaurants.

Golden Nugget may hire for 400 construction jobs and 850 full-time positions.

Game jobs in Waukegan

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recently gave the green light to Golden Nugget Danville and American Place Casino in Waukegan. FullHouseResorts is planning to initiate a temporary casino in July 2022 and transition to a permanent establishment within the subsequent two years. They are looking to hire hundreds of people for various positions.

• Casino system technology
• Dealers
• Sales and marketing personnel

Additionally, the temporary Waukegan casino will offer 700 casino jobs and 150 positions in food and drink services. Upon its official opening, the permanent location will provide 1,858 jobs, 1,150 of which will be full-time positions with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.

American Place has unique concepts for the temporary site, envisioning a camp that spans 75,000 square feet. Furthermore, the venue will accommodate 1,000.50 board games, a casino, food and beverage facilities, and slot machines.

Jobs at Walker & rsquo’s Bluff Casino

Construction began on Walker & rsquo’s Bluff Casino in early December. This casino offers more than just gambling, with a range of amenities and leisure activities that set it apart from other casinos.

Walker & rsquo, Bluff plans to hire 1,100 employees, including 330 casino staff. The casino is aiming for a grand opening in Williamson County sometime in 2023.

The proposal, valued at $150 million, encompassed a casino with 650 slot machines and 14 table games, along with 116 rooms. Additionally, it proposed retail spaces, an event center, hotels, pools, salons, and spas.

Work at the Wind Creek Casino

In December, the Wind Creek Casino located in Homewood/East Hazel Crest was approved and will be operational at the interchanges of I-80 and I-294. This will provide approximately 800 full-time jobs for residents of South Suburban.

The project, valued at $440 million, will encompass 69,190 square feet of gaming space, housing 1,350 slot machines, 56 tables, and a sportsbook. In addition to gaming, the project will feature a sky club, pubs, restaurants, and a 252-room four-diamond hotel for non-gambling entertainment.

Casino employment in Chicago

Chicago might eventually get a casino, but it won’t be happening in the near future. The holder of the Chicago game license is still being contested by three candidates. Earlier in the summer, the city and its Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, expressed their intention to choose a winner. However, the Illinois Gaming Board would still need to approve a game license, a process that could take up to two years.

Rewritten: Public backlash received by bidders for Chicago casino.

No matter which blackjack gets the license, there will be a substantial demand for employees: estimated between 9,500 and 17,000 construction jobs and approximately 3,000 casino jobs.