CHICAGO RELEASES SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS FOR FIRST INTEGRATED CASINO RESORT

The City of Chicago has released a summary of five proposals received through its recent RFP process to create a new integrated casino resort.

An initiative that has been three decades in the making, the Chicago casino will be selected from one of five bids first announced earlier this month, with applicants presenting their proposals to the public on 16 December.

“The caliber of the proposals from Bally’s Corporation, HR Chicago LLC, Rivers Chicago at McCormick LLC and Rivers Gaming LLC are in line with our vision to develop a world-class experience in Chicago that will drive significant economic growth and employment opportunities for our communities,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

“Each proposal provides a unique vision for what Chicago’s casino-resort could look like, and our expert review committees are ready to dive into discussions to usher in a new and exciting era for our city.”

Bally’s Corporation, Proposal #1: $1.8bn property in the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center with 3,400 slots and 173 table games.

Bally’s Corporation, Proposal #2: $1.6bn property in McCormick Place Truck Marshaling with 3,400 slots and 173 table games.

HR Chicago: $1.7bn property from Hard Rock International at ONE Central project site with 3,400 slots and 166 table games.

Rivers Chicago at McCormick: $1.3bn property at Lakeside Center at McCormick Place managed by Rush Street Gaming, with 2,600 slots and 190 table games.

Rivers 78 Gaming: $2.0bn property managed by Rush Street Gaming, with2,600 slots and 190 table games.

The Proposal Review Team includes experts made up of a cross-section of City department leaders who will determine the recommended winning bidder. This recommendation will be made by the review committee to Mayor Lightfoot, who will ultimately make the determination with City Council approval.

The holder of the Chicago owner’s license has the opportunity to operate a temporary casino for up to 24 months, subject to a 12-month extension, and, thereafter, a permanent casino located in the City.

Applicants selected through the RFP process then must apply to the state for the owner’s license and meet the state’s licensing requirements.

Gamingintelligence