Rivers Casino Near Chicago Unveils $87M Expansion Plans, Includes Poker Room

Rivers Casino in Des Plaines has ambitious development plans in the works.

Rivers Casino recently submitted its expansion proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and the city of Des Plaines. The plans include a two-story addition, a new poker room, and an expanded selection of slots and table games, totaling 78,000 square feet. If approved, these enhancements will further enhance the casino’s offerings.

The addition of 725 seats and gaming positions at Rivers Casino would bring the total number of game positions to the maximum limit of 2,000 set by Illinois law.

The $87 million expansion plan includes a new restaurant as well as a 10,000 square foot activity room.

Last year, Rivers Casino, owned by Rush Street Gaming and Churchill Downs Incorporated, generated the highest revenue of any Illinois casino.

Corey Wise, the general director of Rivers Casino, said:

Rivers is the top gaming spot in Illinois, prioritizing customer loyalty as we continue to expand. We were the pioneers in opening a physical location to expand our gaming floor and BetRivers was the first sportsbook in the state, offering fans the first mobile sports betting option. When finished, we will be the first in Illinois to provide 2,000 gaming positions for our customers.

Authorization from IGB is required for the plans, while authorization from the city of Des Plaines is needed for zoning.

Once the game plans are approved, the design process will begin in the spring and is expected to be finished by the start of 2022.

Greg Carlin, the CEO and co-founder of Rush Street Gaming, proclaimed:

Our planned expansion will improve our guest experience by adding new entertainment and dining choices, increased gaming options, and a highly anticipated poker room. We have always provided exceptional experiences for our visitors and are eager to enhance our services as the economy reopens, ensuring an unforgettable stay for all.

Illinois may see the arrival of new games

Rivers is currently the most popular game in Illinois and is projected to maintain its popularity for the foreseeable future.

The 2019 gaming expansion bill has authorized the building of six new casinos in Illinois.

The IGB has determined that the Hard Rock Casino Rockford is suitable in a preliminary evaluation, and it is now just one step away from obtaining final approval.

With that being said, the main competition for Rivers Casino is likely to come from the upcoming downtown Chicago casino that is part of the gaming expansion.

Despite the anticipated delay in the development of the downtown Chicago casino in Illinois, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has been sluggish in reviewing applications. Additionally, downtown Chicago seems to be far from completing and submitting the necessary materials.

The other casinos would be located in the southern cities of Waukegan, Danville, and Williamson County.

Did Rivers benefit from an Illinois online blackjack as well?

Training is the key solution, and it could greatly benefit Rivers Casino.

State Rep. Bob Rita introduced a bill concerning online casinos last week, which is expected to be a prominent ongoing topic in the Illinois gaming industry.

The bill included a six-month in-person registration period, similar to the brief one previously seen with Illinois sports betting.

The plan’s execution will greatly benefit Rivers because of its popularity and strategic location. Being the closest game to the downtown area, it will maintain this advantage until a new game is built, thanks to its proximity just outside of Chicago.

There is no doubt that these development plans have enhanced the experience of first-time visitors at Rivers Casino.