Ground broken for new Illinois casino

Having just seen all-time record GGR for gambling in the state of Illinois, it is now the scene of an all-new casino taking shape.

After three years of waiting since the city of Rockford selected the Hard Rock out of three bidders for its casino, a party was held to celebrate the beginning of construction work, reports the Rockford Register Star.

It was an invitation-only party on the 25-acre empty field upon which a $310m resort will be built, rejuvenating the city’s East State Street corridor and creating over 1,000 jobs.

Hard Rock International corporate chiefs were on hand for the party to join local dignitaries as Rick Nielsen of pop band Cheap Trick – a local himself – broke the ground. It is hoped that the 65,000sq.ft casino will be open late next year, offering 1,500 slots, 60 tables and a sportsbook.