Proposals for Chicago casino released

The city of Chicago has released a summary of the five proposals received in its process to choose a licensee for the first casino resort in the city.

The city offered 9.5 million people, 60 million domestic and 1.5 million international visitors in 2019.

Said Mayor Lori E Lightfoot: “The calibre of the proposals from Bally’s Corporation, HR Chicago, River Chicago at McCormick and Rivers Gaming 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.”

Bally’s is proposing a $1.8bn property in the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center with 500 rooms, six restaurants or cafes, three bars and lounges, a 3,000-seat, 70,000sq.ft entertainment venue, 20,000sq.ft of exhibition space; an outdoor/rooftop green space, 3,400 slots and 173 table games.

Proposal number two from Bally’s is a $1.6bn property in McCormick Place Truck Marshalling with the same facilities as the first proposal.

HR Chicago is offering a $1.7bn property from Hard Rock at the ONE Central project site with 500 rooms, eight restaurant/cafes, six bars, 3,500-seat Hard Rock Live, spa, music and entertainment experience, 3,400 slots and 166 tables.

River Chicago at McCormick is proposing a $1.3bn property at Lakeside Center, McCormick Place, managed by Rush Street Gaming. It would have 2,900 hotel rooms, 12 restaurants, four bars, 4,200-seat theatre, a lakefront setting, 2,600 slots and 190 tables.

Rivers 78 Gaming seeks $2bn of property managed by Rush Street Gaming in an eight-acre riverfront entertainment district with 300 rooms, eight restaurants, five bars, a riverfront plaza, observation tower, harbour riverfront venue for live entertainment, 2,600 slots and 190 tables.