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* We’ve seen a lot of “woe is us” news coverage lately about the state’s plan to add more casinos. But, Rockford has three major companies bidding to own its casino. Presentations were heard last night…
“I think this is gonna be an amazing project,” the Rockford native [Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen] said after ripping into quick renditions of “Hello There” and “I Want You to Want Me” on one of his trademark checkered Flying V guitars. […]
In the ensuing and decidedly less raucous presentation by Hard Rock, executives for the Florida-based corporate casino heavyweight flaunted a $310 million development plan that includes a 64,000-square foot gaming floor, a 1,600-seat Hard Rock Live concert venue — and a 110-foot guitar beckoning gamblers from the front of the building. […]
Two miles north, a group branded as Forest City Partners — which includes Chicago consultant Henry Leong, who according to a professional biography has served as a marketing specialist for a handful of gambling companies including Trump Casino — wants to bring a 136-acre entertainment complex to an undeveloped plot bordered by farmland and a residential plot near Spring Creek and Lyford roads. […]
Besides a 60,000-square foot, 1,200-gaming position casino, the [third plan by Wisconsin real estate development firm Gorman & Company] includes a rock-themed bar and restaurant with a 300-to-500-seat concert hall, a bowling alley and bocce ball court, plus an aquarium with virtual reality exhibits and “touch tanks” for kids.
As with the cannabis legalization plan, the complaints about expansion are coming mainly from incumbent license-holders. Some reporters (not all) have started to catch on to this with the medical cannabis companies, but it’s probably going to take more public hearings like Rockford’s to convince them the same thing could be happening with existing casino owners. I mean, of course they’re unhappy. As the constantly changing Las Vegas skyline shows, gamblers love new venues.
Look, maybe the existing casino owners are right and these new plans are doomed. But Rockford’s site is sure attracting a whole lot of deep-pocketed potential investors for a proposal that’s going nowhere.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 24, 19 @ 12:05 pm
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Rich why do you say proposal going no where?
If there is this much interest in Rockford doesn’t that suggest that the Chicago site should be put out for bid before changing taxes in casino. If no takers then change tax rate
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Sep 24, 19 @ 12:16 pm
===Rich why do you say proposal going no where?===
I’m not saying it. The legacy casino industry is.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 24, 19 @ 12:28 pm
No Bun E., no deal.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Sep 24, 19 @ 1:21 pm
Well the Racing Board just gave Arlington racing days for. Ext year. They tried to prod them into applying for a gaming license but it didn’t make sense to just pull the rug out since Hawthorne couldn’t handle extra days. Yet.
Arlingtons owner Churchill Downs just didn’t want to lose customers from Rivers Casino over to its other facility that would have higher expenses in the form of what would have to go to the horsemen. The Gaming Board should have made them divest themself of Arlington before approving the Rivers purchase. CDI obviously thinks Illinois is still a good opportunity since they are bidding on the Waukegan license.
Comment by Been There Tuesday, Sep 24, 19 @ 1:38 pm
Said it before…
Put ANY casino project out for bid, and I promise that operators will come running with ideas and proposals. The current operators don’t want competition (lost $). It’s only natural. The GA however is looking out for the State treasury….we need the funds. All this hand-wringing about the State’s tax take will prohibit a vendor from making a profit…
Hooooey! Bunk!
Plenty of casino operators that would LOVE to have another legal ATM in their portfolio.
Comment by northernwatersports Tuesday, Sep 24, 19 @ 2:19 pm
Some of the communities with licenses currently attracting suitors have been waiting since the original 1991 licensing dynamic left them out.
So some of those who have enjoyed licenses and revenue for nearly 30 years are upset?? Boo hoo. Grow up.
Comment by Say What? Tuesday, Sep 24, 19 @ 4:12 pm