With Des Plaines Alderman approving the proposal, the next step is to gain consent from the Illinois Gaming Board. A gaming board vote hasn’t been scheduled but the plan “is in front of them,” says Rivers spokesman Dennis Culloton.
State Alderman has been impressed with Rivers Casino for its support in communal events and influx in millions of dollars.
Alderman Malcolm Chester has said it’s “great for us and the city”, while Alderman Carla Brookman added: “They have really become a part of the community, they are a great partner.”
The renovation will see Rivers Casino gain a two-storey expansion between the casino building and its parking garage. It will bring in more gambling machines, a poker room, an events centre and a new restaurant.
The first floor will include the restaurant and an expanded floor for slots and table games. While the second will have a 24-table poker room, a 10,000 square-foot ballroom and a slots machine area.
Rivers Casino will add 725 gaming positions, giving it the maximum number of positions allowed by law and making it the first Casino to reach the state’s threshold of 2,000 gaming positions. Before 2019, the maximum was only 1,200 but the 2019 gambling expansion law amended this.
If approved by all, the renovation can start as early as this spring and is estimated to take a year to complete, with the ground level set to be ready in January 2022 and the second floor in March 2022.
If construction takes place in the next few weeks, Rivers Casino will still remain open to customers.
