It is clear that the Illinois Legislature is aggressively pursuing the opening of a new casino in Chicago. However, the busy legislative calendar is hindering the progress of this initiative.
The Illinois Legislature set a deadline that has been missed by the state agency in charge of regulating gambling, creating uncertainty about when a new betting facility will open in the state’s most populous area.
What date for the brand-new game in Chicago was missed?
The law that allowed sports betting in Illinois also approved the creation of a large casino in the Chicago area as part of an expanded gambling initiative. The state legislature set a timeline for the implementation of this expansion.
Choosing a company to perform the viability investigation was a designated task on the agenda. The Illinois Gaming Board was also mandated to procure a company to oversee this responsibility.
The study assisted in identifying the optimal location for the new blackjack facility and assessed the potential interest of a private investor in its development.
The board has yet to choose a firm, even though the hiring deadline of July 8 has come and gone. A board representative revealed the current status of the search in a WTTW article.
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) must adhere to the law and procurement code. We are currently working on fulfilling the required procedures to utilize this power.
factors contributing to the delay in business choice
The panel has proposed a plan, but the decision-making process is not as simple as hiring an architect to renovate a bathroom. The chosen company may encounter various obstacles.
Businesses competing against each other must provide evidence of past report completion. Additionally, they must be transparent about any connections they have with casinos.
Finally, they must disclose any previous interactions with individuals or organizations connected to the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois government.
If any of the businesses are able to overcome the obstacles and complete the bid study, work can commence. However, the delays pose challenges for all companies involved.
Potential timelines for Chicago casinos uncertain
As per the Legislature’s timeline, the study must be finished by August 12. However, it appears doubtful that the study will be completed by then.
The committee must make important decisions within 90 days of receiving the completed investigation, as per the original deadline of mid-November.
Considering the present circumstances, Quick 2020 appears to be a more feasible option. Therefore, the committee must present the findings of the study to the Legislature.
Furthermore, the table will offer suggestions on game placement and the possible requirement for a personal developer.
An additional complication may arise that could hinder the committee’s ability to provide the desired comments in a timely manner.
Understaffed Illinois Gaming Board
Taking on the responsibility of making important decisions for the state is a new challenge that has arisen at an inopportune time.
In the upcoming month, Chairman of the Board Don Tracy will step down, leaving two open positions. The workload increases as only three out of the recommended five users are able to participate.
It will take time to fill those opportunities, as Governor J. B. Pritzker has been assigned the responsibility for votes by state rules. The state Senate will then either approve or reject those nominees.
The Legislature’s timeline for the expansion of gambling appears to have been overly ambitious thus far. It is highly likely that six new, cutting-edge casinos, including a major establishment in Chicago, will eventually open. The only uncertainty lies in the timing of their debut.