Illinois' newest casino believes their gamble has paid off.
Officials with the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines have tallied the numbers after its first year of operation, and report paying nearly $129 million in gaming taxes -- $109 million to the State of Illinois and 19.7 million to the city, along with the creation of 1,400 full-time jobs.
"It's an exciting new business that has done a lot for the community. Not only money for infrastructure, but the jobs," Des Plaines Mayor Martin J. Moylan said. "A lot of people from the surrounding communities are also working here, so not only do you have an economic benefit, it's created jobs for us."
The casino celebrated its one year anniversary Wednesday the same way it celebrated its grand opening -- with a performance by Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts inside the Cube.
The 147,000 square foot facility has around 1,050 of the newest slots and close to 50 table games along with seven bars and restaurants.
