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Patch

Park Lawn Queen Of Hearts Keeps Rolling With Jackpot At $230,000

OAK LAWN, IL - Fog did not deter the faithful who gathered Wednesday at At The Office Bar and Grill in Crestwood for the Park Lawn Queen of Hearts Raffle. The jackpot going into Wednesday's drawing was just a few hundred dollars shy of $230000 and climbing. Vicky C.'s ticket was pulled, who was actually present for the drawing and used a stamper to…

Winnings ・ 25 January 2024

Chicago Sun Times

Bally’s ‘temporary’ casino will be around awhile, City Council critic says

The stumbling start for Chicago's temporary casino prompted an influential City Council member to warn Thursday that the city may be stuck with the gambling den at Medinah Temple indefinitely. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), chairman of the City Council's Public Safety Committee, said Bally's was undercapitalized to begin with, and he fears the company…

Finance ・ 17 November 2023

Chicago Tribune

Aurora sets TIF hearings tied to Hollywood Casino project

The Aurora City Council Tuesday night established the review board and public hearing for a new tax increment financing district. The proposed Farnsworth-Bilter TIF District is tied to the Hollywood Casino resort project at Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road, next the Interstate 88 interchange. Aldermen voted 10-1 this week to establish the Joint…

Travel ・ 12 October 2023

WTTW

Place Your Bets: Bally’s Will Open Temporary Chicago Casino at Medinah Temple at 8 a.m. Saturday

More than three decades in the making, legalized gambling will make its Chicago debut at 8 a.m. Saturday morning when Bally's opens a temporary casino in River North's Medinah Temple. Chicagoans and tourists feeling lucky can play 800 slot games and 56 table games in the century-old Shriner's temple at 600 N. Wabash Ave., with its distinctive domed…

Law ・ 09 September 2023

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Block Club Chicago

Feeling Lucky? Chicago's First Casino Could Open This Weekend In River North

RIVER NORTH - The city's first casino could open as early as Saturday if all goes well during a dry run of the temporary site this week. Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., was chosen as the site for Bally's temporary casino last year and will operate for two years, with an option to extend for another 12 months, while a permanent casino is being…

Incidents ・ 06 September 2023

NBC Chicago

Bally’s Chicago casino at Medinah Temple could open in September

Get ready, gamblers: Chicago's first casino could open to the public as soon as this month. Illinois Gaming Board in June, officials this week are set to tour and inspect Bally's temporary Chicago casino, located inside the city's historic Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash in River North. According to Bally's executives, the temporary casino is…

Land-based ・ 05 September 2023

Chicago Sun Times

Illinois Gaming Board gives early approval to Bally’s Chicago casino

All bets could be on in Chicago by the end of summer. State regulators on Thursday handed down a key early approval to Bally's Chicago casino plan, paving the way for the corporation to launch a temporary gambling house within a couple of months at the historic Medinah Temple in River North while it builds the permanent structure in River West. The…

Finance ・ 02 July 2023

Journal & Topics

Casino Landscape Changing Fast With Temporary Operations In Waukegan, Soon In Chicago

The earliest form of recorded gambling took place about 5000 years ago. Its chances of fading away is about the same as drawing a royal flush in every card game one plays or picking the right Roulette color 100 times in a row. With last week's opening of a temporary casino in Waukegan and in the near future a temporary operation in downtown…

Finance ・ 23 February 2023

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Chicago Tribune

Thousands crowd into Waukegan’s new casino on opening weekend; ‘This is going to be good for the community’

Cruz Paredes of Waukegan was the first person in a line of hundreds waiting for The Temporary by American Place casino to open its doors for the first time in her hometown Friday night. She knew exactly what she planned to do. "I'm going to the slot machines," Paredes said. "Then I'm going to the tables and try some 21. This is very exciting." The…

Industry ・ 21 February 2023

Yogonet

Chicago: Bally's plans to build temporary casino at Medinah Temple approved by gaming board

State gambling regulators signed off on Thursday the initial steps toward the opening of Chicago's first casino, voting in favor of a license for Medinah Temple to serve as the home of a temporary gambling hall that developer Bally's hopes to open by June. The permanent building, to open its doors in 2026, will be built west of the Chicago River on…

Finance ・ 13 February 2023

NBC Chicago

Which Neighborhoods is Chicago Proposing to Build a Casino In? Here Are the 3 Possible Locations

The city of Chicago is getting closer to selecting a final location to build a proposed casino, a project that Mayor Lori Lightfoot says would bring in $175-$195 million in projected tax revenue. "The revenue is gonna shore up our police and fire pensions, critically important," Lightfoot said. "It's gonna relieve the burden on our…

Industry ・ 11 January 2023

WTTW

Chicago Officials Give Final Approval to Bally’s Casino Complex in River West

The Chicago City Council voted 39-5 to approve plans to transform the home of the Chicago Tribune's printing plant and newsroom into a $1.74 billion Bally's casino and resort on 30 acres in River West. The proposal still needs the support of the Illinois Gaming Board, which must license Bally's to operate the casino before work can begin along the…

Travel ・ 15 December 2022

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Block Club Chicago

Final Details In Chicago Casino Plan Approved By Council

RIVER WEST - Alderpeople gave final zoning approval to the proposed Chicago casino district Wednesday, the latest step in the development's path forward as it seeks a gambling license from the state of Illinois. The planned casino is set to be built on the Tribune Publishing site along the Chicago River between Grand and Chicago avenues. The first…

Law ・ 14 December 2022

WTTW

Bally’s Casino Complex Proposal Set for Final Vote by Chicago City Council

Joining "Chicago Tonight" to discuss upcoming City Council votes are Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward), Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) and Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th Ward). (Produced by Alexandra Silets) Efforts to transform the home of the Chicago Tribune's printing plant and newsroom into a $1.74 billion Bally's casino and resort is one step…

Travel ・ 14 December 2022

Chicago Tribune

Chicago casino set for final city OK following zoning vote

A first-ever casino in Chicago stands on the brink of city approval Wednesday as council members backed zoning for the project after the alderman of the ward where it would be built toned down his reservations over whether the project would result in enough jobs for minorities and nearby residents. Approval of the $1.74 billion Bally's casino…

Travel ・ 14 December 2022

The State Journal - Register

Springfield leaders shelve resolution on a downtown casino

The Springfield Committee of the Whole Tuesday tabled a resolution that the city be included for consideration of receiving a casino license, but it may at least have the ear of a local membership group of bars and restaurants. The unique look of a proposed downtown casino - with table games like blackjack and craps and roulette and sports betting,…

Law ・ 26 October 2022

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ABC 7 Chicago

Casino Chicago: Medinah Temple plan won't have big impact on River North traffic, report says; Ald. Brendan Reilly dismisses it

CHICAGO -- Consultants hired by Bally's Corp. say the gambling company's temporary casino in the landmark Medinah Temple won't create the River North gridlock that opponents have warned of when it opens next year, but a local alderperson vehemently against the plan dismissed their traffic study as "seriously flawed." The report commissioned by…

Mobile ・ 03 October 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Medinah Temple casino won’t create River North traffic nightmare, Bally’s says

Consultants hired by Bally's Corp. say the gambling company's temporary casino in the landmark Medinah Temple won't create the River North gridlock that opponents have warned of when it opens next year, but a local alderperson vehemently against the plan dismissed their traffic study as "seriously flawed." The report commissioned by Bally's - Mayor…

Mobile ・ 01 October 2022

WTTW

Chicago City Council Votes 41-7 to Approve Bally’s River West Casino

The Chicago City Council voted 41-7 on Wednesday to go all in on a plan from Bally's to build a casino in River West, capping a 30-year odyssey and handing Mayor Lori Lightfoot a significant victory as she prepares to run for a second term as Chicago mayor. The $1.73 billion proposal now heads to the Illinois Gaming Board, which must license…

Covid ・ 26 May 2022

Block Club Chicago

Chicago Casino Approved By City Council After Screaming Match Between Mayor, Alderman

CHICAGO - Chicago's first casino is almost a done deal after City Council approved the plan Wednesday. Bally's plan to build a $1.7 billion riverfront casino and resort at the Tribune Publishing site in River West was approved by a 41-7 vote. Now it heads to the Illinois Gaming Board for final approval. See how your alderperson voted: Wednesday's…

Mobile ・ 25 May 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago City Council approves Bally’s $1.7 billion casino in River West

Chicago's 30-year quest for a casino and entertainment complex is drawing to a close, amid hopes it will produce the jackpot needed to bail out police and fire pension funds. Less than three weeks after Mayor Lori Lightfoot put her chips on Bally's $1.7 billion River West bid, the City Council authorized Bally's to build a permanent casino at…

Law ・ 25 May 2022

CBS News

City Council approves Bally's plan for River West casino

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Aldermen on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved Mayor Lori Lightfoot's push for Bally's to build the city's first casino in the River West neighborhood, despite complaints from some critics that the project was rushed through City Council, and that the projected $200 million in annual tax revenue the project is estimated to bring to…

Land-based ・ 25 May 2022

CBS News

Bally's proposal for River West casino wins first key vote, with final City Council approval on tap for Wednesday

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot's push for Bally's to build the city's first casino in the River West neighborhood cleared its first major hurdle on Monday, as a key city panel approved the plan, setting up a final City Council vote on Wednesday. The City Council's Special Committee on the Chicago Casino voted 27-3 to approve an ordinance…

Land-based ・ 24 May 2022

WTTW

Chicago Casino Plan Poised for Approval Later This Week After Initial City Council Vote

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's decision to tap Bally's to build a casino in River West won the approval of 27 members of the Chicago City Council on Monday, setting the $1.73 billion proposal up for a final vote on Wednesday. Only three members of the special City Council committee created by Lightfoot to consider the casino proposal voted against the…

Covid ・ 24 May 2022

WBEZ Chicago

Chicago’s City Council moves forward on casino

Chicago's City Council is doing parliamentary backflips to vote on a casino this week - a timeline requested by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Aldermen on a special committee Monday voted 27 to 3 to advance Lightfoot's pick for Chicago's first casino, setting it up for a final vote on Wednesday. Aldermen had to meet for a full council meeting in the…

Jobs ・ 23 May 2022

Chicago Sun Times

$1.7B Bally’s Chicago casino clears key hurdle in City Council

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's race to secure $40 million in upfront payments from Bally's to keep police and fire pensions solvent and stave off a pre-election property tax increase cleared a key hurdle Monday with committee approval of a long-sought Chicago casino. Thanks to the lobbying muscle of organized labor, a special City Council committee stacked…

Trust and Safety ・ 23 May 2022

CBS News

First vote on Bally's plan for River West casino delayed, amid ongoing questions, complaints from aldermen

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The first expected vote on Mayor Lori Lightfoot's push for Bally's to build a $1.74 billion casino in River West was called off on Friday, as aldermen continued to raise questions about the project, but the mayor is still hoping to get it approved by next week. The City Council's Special Casino Committee had been expected to vote…

Land-based ・ 21 May 2022

WTTW

Lightfoot’s Casino Pick Not a Done Deal, City Council Members Say

Video: Alderpeople Jeanette Taylor, George Cardenas, Jason Ervin, and Walter Burnett join "Chicago Tonight" to discuss the proposal for a Chicago casino. (Produced by Blair Paddock) Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants the Chicago City Council to go all-in on her decision to tap Bally's to build a casino in River West in two weeks - but several members of…

Politics ・ 11 May 2022

Chicago Tribune

Column: Chicago rushes to approve casino deal while south suburbs hit jackpot with trusted partner

Chicago's rush to approve a $1.7 billion casino deal represents a shocking contrast to Wind Creek's plans to build an entertainment complex in East Hazel Crest and Homewood. The Southland seems to have hit the jackpot with a developer committed to building long-term partnerships. Chicago risks making a bad deal by moving too quickly, some aldermen…

Winnings ・ 10 May 2022

WTTW

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Casino Pick Gets Cool Reception from Chicago City Council Members

Members of the Chicago City Council gave Mayor Lori Lightfoot's decision to place a high-stakes bet on Bally's to build a casino in River West a cool reception on Monday, even as the mayor's team urged them to quickly approve the proposal and avert massive property tax hikes. While members of the Lightfoot administration touted the proposal from…

Covid ・ 10 May 2022

WGN Radio

Ald. Brian Hopkins on Bally’s winning the Chicago casino bid: ‘I’m against the proposal and I’m against the process’

2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins joins John Williams to talk about Mayor Lightfoot announcing her preference that Bally's be awarded Chicago's first casino license in River West at the Tribune Publishing site (currently owned by WGN Radio parent company Nexstar). The John Williams Show Weekdays 10 a.m. - noon, 1 - 2 p.m. Focusing on current events, John…

Movies ・ 06 May 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago casino: Lightfoot picks Bally’s proposal at Tribune printing plant site

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is betting big on Bally's. Lightfoot on Thursday confirmed the East Coast gambling company as her pick to run the city's coveted casino at the busy River West site of the Chicago Tribune's Freedom Center printing plant. The mayor's choice for the house of chance, first reported Tuesday by the Chicago Sun-Times, marks an upset…

Land-based ・ 06 May 2022

Chicago Tribune

Aldermen push back on three Chicago casino finalists, as city looks to select a winner ‘within a month’

Aldermen are pushing back against the three proposed finalists for a Chicago casino, as the city nears a final selection amid growing concern from residents about locating a casino in their backyards. The Special Committee on the Chicago Casino, which was created last month to help winnow the casino proposals from three to one, fielded questions at…

Finance ・ 26 April 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Labor groups join aldermen in critique of casino plans over lack of living wage guarantees

Chicago's casino proposals, already getting berated from neighbors close to the three potential sites, drew fire Monday from organized labor groups who want the gambling kingpins to accept a unionized labor force. Alderpersons eagerly supported that demand. None of the casino applicants has agreed to negotiate with unions traditionally in the…

Mobile ・ 26 April 2022

NBC Chicago

Which Neighborhoods is Chicago Proposing to Build a Casino in? Here are the 3 Possible Locations

The city of Chicago is getting closer to selecting a final location to build a proposed casino, a project that Mayor Lori Lightfoot says would bring in $175-$195 million in projected tax revenue. "The revenue is gonna shore up our police and fire pensions, critically important," Lightfoot said. "It's gonna relieve the burden on our…

Industry ・ 25 April 2022

NBC Chicago

Chicago’s 3 Proposed Casino Sites Continue to Draw Opposition From Some Residents, Special Meeting Planned

The city of Chicago is holding a special meeting Monday to weigh in on where to put the city's first casino. But not all residents from those neighborhoods are on board. The three neighborhoods in consideration include the South Loop, which includes Chinatown and Pilsen, the area just west of Soldier Field, and River West. Each of those locations…

Finance ・ 25 April 2022

Block Club Chicago

Chicago Casino Plans Rejected By All 3 Alderpeople Who Represent Potential Sites

RIVER WEST - Chicago is making grand plans to open a world-class casino - but none of the alderpeople who represent the potential sites want a gambling mecca in their ward. Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) is the latest alderperson to say he doesn't want a casino as Bally's is lobbying to open at the Tribune Publishing site in his ward. Burnett's…

Travel ・ 21 April 2022

Block Club Chicago

Ald. Pat Dowell Says She 'Cannot Support' Hard Rock Casino Proposal Near Soldier Field

CHICAGO - Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) "cannot support" Hard Rock International's plan to open a casino as part of a proposed mega-development in her ward, she announced Monday, citing neighbors' fears of crime and overcrowding. Her position leaves just one casino proposal - Rhode Island-based Bally's plan to build a resort in River West - whose local…

Land-based ・ 19 April 2022

Journal & Topics

Off The Record: Casino Choice In Chicago Could Have Big Effect On Des Plaines

Every once in a while, Des Plaines Ald. Malcolm Chester (6th) hoists the warning flag about the future of the city's financial intake from the Rivers Casino operation. For the most part it seems, his city government colleagues file his concerns in the back of their brains, leaving the matter for serious discussion for some time in the future. Now…

Land-based ・ 15 April 2022

WTTW

Hammered by Complaints, Push for Chicago Casino Faces Bumpy Final Stretch

None of the Chicago casino finalists rolled double sixes at community meetings staged by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, complicating the future of the gaming palace and entertainment district officials contend is key to the city's financial future. While city officials touted the meetings as a chance for Chicagoans to weigh in on the three finalists…

Covid ・ 12 April 2022

Block Club Chicago

Neighbors Worry Rivers Casino Planned For The 78 Will Lead To Gambling Addictions, Is Too Close To Schools

SOUTH LOOP - Hundreds showed up to hear Related Midwest and billionaire Neil Bluhm's Rush Street Gaming sell their plan for a Rivers Casino at The 78 megadevelopment at town hall Thursday. The development team had their work cut out for them, as the area's alderman has already said he can't support a casino at the site and a community advisory…

Land-based ・ 08 April 2022

Crain's Complete Business

Chicago casino bidder Rivers 78 faces public scrutiny at hearing

The Rivers 78 casino proposed for the vacant mega-development along the South Branch of the Chicago River is the only finalist where a casino would be built first with a neighborhood sprouting up around it, the backers of the plan emphasized Thursday. That observation came at the last of three community meetings held this week by Mayor Lori…

Politics ・ 08 April 2022

Crain's Complete Business

Bally's casino proposal on Tribune Publishing site gets pushback in public hearing

Amid vocal opposition, the backers of Bally's casino proposal at the Tribune Publishing site along the Chicago River argued Wednesday night their plan would decrease traffic and increase public space over what is already permitted to be built at the site. The $1.74 billion casino and hotel along the North Branch of the Chicago River, between…

Sports ・ 07 April 2022

Crain's Complete Business

Chicago casino bidders get grilled in first public hearing

The first of three high-stakes meetings for the finalists hoping to win Chicago's sole casino license kicked off Tuesday as Hard Rock Chicago tried to convince a skeptical audience its proposal wasn't tethered to a larger development in need of $6.5 billion in state assistance. The meetings represent an opportunity for Hard Rock, Bally's and Rivers…

Travel ・ 06 April 2022

Crain's Complete Business

Chicago alderman oppose proposed casino sites

Mayor Lori Lightfoot will have her work cut out for her as the city tomorrow begins public hearings on the three finalists to own and operate the proposed Chicago casino. The problem: overcoming moderate to strong community opposition to each of the sites, with some aldermen stopping just short of declaring "not in my ward." For instance, Ald.…

Politics ・ 04 April 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Lightfoot accused of ‘stacking the deck’ on Chicago casino committee

Mayor Lori Lightfoot was accused Wednesday of "stacking the deck" by appointing a special committee of the City Council on the Chicago casino composed only of her handpicked leadership team. After narrowing the list of potential Chicago casino sites from five locations to three, Lightfoot has asked Zoning Committee Chair Tom Tunney (44th) to chair…

Incidents ・ 23 March 2022

Block Club Chicago

Chicago Casino Finalists Include Rivers At South Loop's 78, Hard Rock Near Soldier Field And Bally's In River West

SOUTH LOOP - The 78 megadevelopment, along with the Tribune Publishing Center and the One Central project site are all in the running to host Chicago's first casino. Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office announced Tuesday the list had been narrowed down from five locations to those three - kicking the Michael Reese megadevelopment and McCormick Place off…

Land-based ・ 22 March 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago casino proposals narrowed to 3: Bally’s, Hard Rock, Rivers

Chicago's drawn-out casino sweepstakes is down to three-of-a-kind, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday passed on a pair of proposals tied to McCormick Place - and extended her selection process by at least a few months. City officials announced they've narrowed the field of five bids for the coveted megacasino down to three development pitches: a…

Sports ・ 22 March 2022

Block Club Chicago

Neighbors Overwhelmingly Say They Don't Want A Casino At The 78 Megadevelopment, Survey Results Show

SOUTH LOOP - Hundreds of South Loop, Chinatown and Bridgeport residents are pushing back against a casino proposed for The 78 megadevelopment, saying they think it would lead to more crime in the area, declining home values, contribute to heavy traffic and exacerbate problem gambling. The 78 Community Advisory Council collected survey responses…

Land-based ・ 03 March 2022

Block Club Chicago

Bronzeville Leaders Did Not Want A Casino At Michael Reese Development

BRONZEVILLE - Some Bronzeville leaders are pushing back against the prospect of having the city's first casino as a neighbor. The city unveiled five potential casino sites in November. Four are clustered in the Near South Side, including one at the McCormick Place Marshalling Yards at 31st Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, near the old Michael…

Gaming Authorities ・ 14 February 2022

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Chicago Journal

City hears 5 bids from 3 bidders for new casino

CHICAGO - Three casino development groups are tossing their chips in to play the high stakes political game to become Chicago's gambling home and win approval to open a facility is expected to rake in around $1 billion per year. We learned more about their proposals on Thursday as they made their first public pitches to Mayor Lori Lightfoot at…

Land-based ・ 18 December 2021

Yogonet

Bally's, Hard Rock, Rush Street pitch 5 Chicago casino bids to public; Mayor weighs financial viability

Bally's, Rush Street Gaming and Hard Rock International presented five competing bids for a permanent Chicago casino to the public during a marathon meeting Thursday, attended by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who said she wants the winner to be financially viable, architecturally stunning and be guided by the principles of inclusion and equity. The major…

Land-based ・ 18 December 2021

CBS Chicago

Bidders Show Off Five Casino Proposals For Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) - We are one step closer to getting a casino in Chicago, and we now have an idea of what it could look like. The city has five proposals on the table from three companies. Each of the bidders on Thursday showed off what their casino would look like, and outlined the benefits they would bring to Chicago. Illinois COVID-19 Cases Hit…

Sports ・ 17 December 2021

Chicago Sun Times

5 Chicago casino developers make public presentations

Breathtaking skyline views, luxury suites, thousands of slot machines - and even an "Eiffel Tower for Chicago." A full house of casino developers put it all on the table Wednesday in the latest round of Chicago's long game to open a big-city gambling mecca, making their pitches in the first round of public presentations to win Mayor Lori…

Land-based ・ 17 December 2021

Block Club Chicago

If A Chicago Casino Opens Near Chinatown, Community Members Say Problem Gamblers Need Support

CHINATOWN - Chinatown leaders are raising concerns that four of the city's proposed casino sites are in Near South Side neighborhoods, saying it could harm a community that has struggled with problem gambling. The bids, announced Nov. 19, include the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center in the West Loop, two sites at McCormick Place, ONE Central in…

Gambling Addiction ・ 15 December 2021

Block Club Chicago

Here's What Chicago's Casino Could Look Like

CHICAGO - City officials unveiled the five finalist casino proposals Friday, giving Chicagoans a first look at what the city's first casino could look like. The five casinos are being proposed for the Chicago Tribune printing site, the old Michael Reese site, near McCormick Place, at the One Central development near Solider Field and in the The…

Sports ・ 06 December 2021

Chicago Tribune

Column: Casino license delay another turkey for Waukegan

There's been a long line of turkeys in Waukegan's lengthy history, from the leftover pollution at the city's lakefront to its underused downtown. The latest is the soap opera currently playing out in courtrooms surrounding the city's long-awaited casino. Following federal and state lawsuits, a gambling mecca planned for 28 acres at Fountain Square…

Politics ・ 24 November 2021

Chicago Tribune

Chicago casino site could be selected in ‘early 2022’

Chicago officials Friday laid out a process of community input and quick City Council approval of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's preferred casino plan, saying all five bids are on equal footing despite community opposition to one and questions about state financing for another. Lightfoot plans to select the operator and location of a Chicago casino in…

Land-based ・ 23 November 2021

Chicago Sun Times

Handicapping Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s picks for the Chicago casino

As city officials dig into the five competing proposals for a new Chicago casino, they will walk into a squall of numbers and promises. The cost estimates for each mega-complex range from $1.3 billion to $2 billion. Most foresee hundreds of hotel rooms, and some tantalize decision-makers with talk of advance payments to city coffers if awarded the…

Land-based ・ 23 November 2021

CBS Chicago

Lightfoot’s Office Unveils Five Bids For A Chicago Casino; Public Meeting On Proposals Set For Dec. 16

CHICAGO (CBS) - City officials on Friday officially unveiled the five competing bids to run Chicago's casino, as the evaluation process continues with an eye to select a plan to present to the City Council for approval early next year. The city is planning a public meeting next month for bidders to present their plans to the public and take…

Christmas ・ 23 November 2021

Chicago Sun Times

City Hall releases details of casino proposals

City Hall on Friday lifted the veil on five competing proposals for the downtown casino that has eluded Chicago mayors for generations and established a rigid timetable to get the projected $200 million in annual revenue rolling in. Broad outlines of the proposals to build a casino at McCormick Place Lakeside Center, the truck marshaling yards…

Sports ・ 23 November 2021

Chicago Tribune

Only in Chicago does a debate about one casino turn into a fight over six

Chicago is debating the location and operator of its first casino within city limits. It is doing so decades after other cities hungry for tax revenue and willing to overlook the social costs took that step. But our City Council can never make things easy. In the last few days, it has become clear the great civic casino debate is, in fact, not over…

NFL ・ 12 November 2021

Block Club Chicago

Billionaire Casino Magnate Says Allowing Betting At Wrigley, United Center Would Hurt City's New Casino Before It's Built

CHICAGO - Allowing sports betting at Wrigley Field and the United Center could make Chicago's first casino a bust, billionaire casino magnate Neil Bluhm told aldermen Monday. Bluhm spoke to aldermen at a hearing about allowing the city's stadiums to offer sports betting - but the teams that would benefit from sports betting at stadiums aren't…

Land-based ・ 09 November 2021

Chicago Tribune

Chicago has five competing casino bids. Here’s what’s proposed.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is looking at five proposals from three firms vying to run Chicago's casino. Now it's almost time for her to show her hand. City officials are sifting through the bids, including one from Hard Rock International that would set the gambling emporium in a massive mixed-use project, One Central, which developers hope to…

Religion ・ 08 November 2021

Crain's Complete Business

Neil Bluhm mulls bid for Chicago casino amid a changing gambling industry

Neil Bluhm, the longtime king of legalized gambling in Illinois, isn't much of a gambler. While he might hit the craps tables every few years in Las Vegas, his big bets, he says, are "when I try to do one of these deals." Bluhm means the bidding for Chicago's first casino. His Rush Street Gaming is widely considered by industry insiders to be the…

Industry ・ 18 August 2021