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 taxpayers."
Mayor Lightfoot is pushing for a final decision in May or June.
However, some neighbors and residents of each of the proposed locations are not on board and have voiced opposition to the project.
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“We understand that there’s a casino that was approved by the state, approved by the city, but where this happens needs to always be in consultation with the residents," said Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez, whose 25th Ward includes Chinatown and the West Loop.
The three locations are each considering a proposal from a different casino.
Here's a breakdown of each casino, and where in Chicago they would be located:
Bally’s Corporation (Tribune Site), River West – Bally’s has proposed a $1.74 billion casino project and hotel, which would be located on a portion of the site of the Tribune Publishing Plant in the River West neighborhood.
The proposal includes a 3,000 seat theater, a sports museum, an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian bridge, a 500-room hotel, an outdoor music venue and park, and six different restaurants.
The proposal would provide space for an estimated 3,400 slot machines and more than 150 gaming tables.
A temporary casino would open in 2023, with the permanent location expected to open in early 2026.
Hard Rock (ONE Central Site), West of Soldier Field – Hard Rock is proposing a $1.74 billion casino resort just to the north of McCormick Place on Chicago’s lakefront. The proposal would include a 3,500-seat live music venue, a 500-room hotel tower, restaurants, and six different bars and lounges.
According to officials, more than 3,000 slot machines and 166 gaming tables would be included in the plans.
Officials with Hard Rock say they would open a temporary casino in mid-2023, and a permanent casino by late 2025.
Rivers (78), South Loop, including Chinatown and Pilsen – Rivers 78 includes a $1.62 billion casino project on the site known as “The 78,” a large development on Chicago’s South Side. The proposal would include a riverfront area, an observation tower, a riverfront venue for live entertainment, a 300-room hotel tower, and eight different restaurants.
The site would include room for more than 2,600 slot machines and 190 table games.
A temporary casino could open at the site in early 2024, while the permanent location would open in late 2025, according to officials.
What are the Next Steps?
Community meetings took place in early April for residents to weigh in on the proposed projects, and another special meeting is planned for 1 p.m. on Monday, April 22 for the public to comment.
That virtual meeting with take place at 1 p.m. on the Chicago City Clerk's website. Written public comment can be emailed to Nicole.Wellhausen@CityofChicago.org and at Raymond.Valadez@cityofchicago.org and will be accepted up until 10:00 a.m. Monday.
It's not yet known if other special meetings are planned at this time.
Once the public comment process is complete, the finalists will be evaluated by city officials, and a winning bid will be chosen following that process. The Chicago City Council and the Illinois Gaming Board will have to sign off on any chosen bid.
Mayor Lightfoot is pushing for a final decision in May or June.
