Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced that three potential bidders have been shortlisted for the next round of the bidding process to become the city’s sole casino license holder.
The chosen ones are: Bally’s Corporation, Hard Rock, and Rush Street Rivers 78; they all have a chance to develop a resort casino and entertainment environment in Chicago.
From this group, a final proposal will be chosen to be presented as a potential developer and operator of the Chicago casino, pending approval from the city council.
Mayor Lightfoot commented, “We spent countless hours reviewing each proposal for the Chicago casino license and determined that Bally’s Tribune, Hard Rock Chicago and Rivers 78 best fit the core goals we want to achieve for the city’s first integrated casino resort.” .
“Each proposal provides economic, employment and equity opportunities for Chicago while enhancing the city’s cultural, entertainment and architectural landscapes with world-class amenities and design.”
Chicago’s first casino
The intention to develop a casino in Chicago was initially stated more than 30 years ago. The addition is believed to create thousands of jobs, as well as generate about $400 million a year in gaming and other revenue for the city and state of Illinois.
The city believes the casino project will improve the tourism industry, finances, employment growth in Chicago, as well as increasing property values in surrounding areas.
Each finalist will participate in a community engagement meeting with the city, which will include an opportunity for public questions and comments.
These meetings will take place from April 5th to 7th and will be broadcast live. Priority of participation will be given to residents in the zip code area and then on a first-come basis, with maximum numbers of 300 participants.
