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 submitting proposals for the Chicago casino-resort has expired, and the city has received five bids from three different companies.

Bally’s Corp submitted two proposals, while companies affiliated with Rush Street Gaming submitted two separate bids. Additionally, a development company working with Hard Rock submitted a proposal.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stated:

We are thrilled to have received five exceptional proposals from Bally Corp., HR Chicago LLC, Rivers Chicago at McCormick LLC, and River’s 78 Gaming LLC. The submission of these bids marks a major milestone in the development of a casino-resort that will benefit our businesses, provide jobs for our residents, and boost tourism. We are eager to continue discussions that will bring this top-notch entertainment experience to our area.

suggested locations for Chicago games

HR Chicago LLC is classified as a Hard Rock entity, whereas The Rivers games are affiliated with the Rush Street brand. The potential results of each game may differ.

    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

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

Bally’s has committed $1.6 billion to build a new casino in Chicago.

Bally’s chairman Soo Kim stated:

Chicago is a vibrant, top-tier city, and that’s why we’re dedicating $1.6 billion to make it our flagship property, the only one of its kind in the Chicagoland market. Our focus is on empowering minority and female entrepreneurs, suppliers, experts, and residents to build, own, manage, and operate this property. This investment will not only generate tax revenue and create high-paying jobs but also attract visitors from around the world, across the country, and within the local community for generations to come.

A step forward for Chicago, Lightfoot

As recently as August, the likelihood of a game in Chicago appeared dim.

The RFP deadline for the city was extended to October due to a lack of bidders, with the exception of Rush Street Gaming showing interest.

MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment all declined to take on the Chicago casino project. The casino will face a high tax rate of 40%, prompting concerns about the need for legislative adjustments.

Nevertheless, Chicago is in an ideal location with five proposals from well-known gaming companies.

During the summer, Lightfoot declared that Rush Street’s headquarters in Chicago meant that there were no hometown favorites.

At first, it appeared that there were no alternative choices for the location. However, additional options eventually became available.

Illinois game bids are present in Chicago

Rush Street, Bally, and Hard Rock have each had a unique impact on the state to varying degrees.

Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, a joint venture between Rush Street and Churchill Downs, is the top gaming destination in Illinois. Its strong local reputation could provide an advantage in the bidding process.

Bally’s recently acquired the casino and hotel previously known as Jumer’s Casino & Hotel in western Illinois. The establishment has been rebranded as Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel.

In the meantime, Hard Rock is on track to establish a casino in Rockford. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has approved Hard Rock as “preliminarily suitable” for a license. A temporary casino is set to launch in November.

The Chicago game certificate’s success will surely be celebrated throughout the Land of Lincoln.

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

Applicants are expected to disclose their plans to the public promptly, with a potential announcement in November or December. Chicago will choose the winning plan by 2022.

The initial timeline called for applicants to present their ideas in September. However, due to the extension of the RFP deadline, the entire schedule has been revised.

Once the capital has chosen a winning proposition, the business must submit an application to the IGB. It is important to be aware that the IGB is known for taking several years to process casino applications.

The city intends to start the game by 2025, with the timing of this plan subject to change like everything else.