Summary
- Bally’s Freedom Park, Rivers 78, and Hard Rock One Central are the three final shortlisted operators
- The proposed casinos are still struggling to gain support from local residents
- The city is expected to announce the winner this summer
Just three bidders have made it to Chicago’s final casino shortlist from an original five. On Tuesday, city mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that Rivers (The 78), Bally’s (Chicago Tribune Publishing Center) and Hard Rock (One Central) have now advanced to the next stage of the selection process.
The three proposals are well-suited for Chicago’s primary goals for its first integrated resort. They not only provide economic growth and employment opportunities, but they also put the city on the map as a world-class casino and entertainment destination, according to Lightfoot.
The Three Final Bidders
Rush Street Gaming, a gaming company based in Chicago, is among the three final bidders being considered by the city. The firm currently owns and operates four casinos, including the Rivers Casino located in Des Plaines.
The company initially submitted two proposals involving separate developers. The city picked its $1.62 billion casino proposal at The 78, a 62-acre site in the South Loop. Rivers 78 will include a designated area for live entertainment, a hotel consisting of 300 rooms, as well as a docking area, and a riverfront plaza. The plans in place showcase an opening in 2025.
Meanwhile, Hard Rock‘s proposal involves a $1.74 billion casino which will be built at One Central, a major mixed-use project covering 32 acres of rail yards near Soldier Field. The proposed Hard Rock establishment will house a massive hotel and live entertainment venue.
The company behind the plans, Hard Rock International based in Florida, already operates multiple casinos across the country. Its latest project, Hard Rock Rockford, opened its temporary casino in November 2021.
Bally‘s casino plans at the McCormick Place Truck Marshaling Yards were declined by the city, but its proposed $1.74 billion casino proposal at the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center still stands. Apart from building a casino and a hotel, Bally’s proposal also includes an outdoor music venue and a huge theater that can accommodate 3,000 people. Additionally, the company will also demolish the decades-old Freedom Center printing plant in favor of the casino.
Criticisms Continue
While the city believes that the three shortlisted proposals will pave the way towards economic prosperity, job creation, and many other benefits for Chicago, the plans are currently facing criticism from local residents, with some expressing concerns about the potential negative effects that the new establishments would bring, including an increase in crime rate and heavy traffic among others.
The city will announce its favored bidder this summer which will be subject to approval by Illinois.
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