A summary of responses to the August Request For Information (RFI) by the city of Chicago indicates that a majority of potential operators prefer a downtown location for a casino.
Out of the eleven companies that responded to the RFI, eight showed interest in constructing the game within or close to the city. A suggestion was made by one company to place the game on the south side, near Lake Calumet.
The people neglected to specify a preferred location.
Responders included popular companies like Rush Street Gaming, Wynn Resorts, Hard Rock International, and MGM Resorts International. It is worth mentioning that Rush Street actually owns Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
Prospective operators are naturally inclined to choose a downtown location, despite Governor JB Pritzker’s push for economic growth in the south or west sides. A downtown hub provides greater financial potential.
After a sluggish start, the Chicago game project is now picking up speed.
Momentary game in Chicago in the near future?
In conclusion, six participants indicated they would prefer to run a temporary casino while constructing their larger, permanent establishment.
They believed that the first cash flow would assist in covering the costs of ongoing service maintenance. Additionally, they emphasized the benefits of job creation and initial taxation. They also recognized the ability to quickly build a dependable user base as a positive outcome.
Three participants opposed the concept of a makeshift game, pointing out concerns about potential business instability and additional expenses associated with constructing a temporary service.
Two responders did not provide a response to this topic.
Based on feedback, the development of the eternal game could range from 2 to 3 years.
They do not anticipate COVID-19 having a significant impact on the selection or licensing of the facility, as promising news about the vaccine continues to be released.
All respondents agreed that refurbishing an existing game would be a preferable option to developing a brand new one.
Additionally, they all concurred that the new location should be separate from the current site.
additional features
The majority of participants concurred that the game could potentially feature a resort.
One person objected, saying that it would have an immediate impact on hotels in the Chicago area. However, there was a suggestion that a hotel could eventually be constructed because of it.
All respondents agreed on the vital role of the casino operating as a versatile facility. They expect the gaming area to cover between 100,000 and 200,000 square feet.
Numerous game reports in Illinois in late 2020
In short, the recent months have been extremely busy with a lot of news about Illinois casinos.
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Pritzker shut down all 10 casinos in the state in November. Illinois has since become a significant hotspot for the virus.
In 2020, Pritzker closed down gambling in Illinois on two separate occasions, with the first phase beginning in March.
In late October, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) chose to postpone decisions on several casino license applications, with eight applicants instead deciding to amend their applications.
The decision was disputed because it was claimed that the IGB had a month to make a decision after receiving the programs.
Due to the 2019 Illinois Gambling Act, six new gambling facilities will be built in Chicago, Danville, Williamson County, Waukegan, Rockford, and southern Illinois cities.
Currently, there have been no new licenses issued. Chicago may still be the most recent addition to this group, but barely.
