The Land of Lincoln is quickly becoming the land of casino gambling.
In 2019, the Illinois legislature approved, and Gov. JB Pritzker signed, a bill that authorized the state to increase the number of casinos to 16 from the existing 10.
According to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times, the next move will be to add a property in one of the areas south of Chicago. The news organization said the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is preparing to review proposals from two groups, one that would bring a casino to Matteson, the other in the area near Homewood and East Hazel Crest.
The IGB is expected to hear the two presentations soon, with the announcement of which group garners a license coming in 2022.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is behind the proposal to bring a casino to Matteson. The Associated Press said the tribe currently operates some 20 casinos.
The Matteson proposal reportedly calls for a $300m property with a 200-room hotel and a 123,000-square foot casino.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama, and the tribe’s Wind Creek Hospitality brand, are the authors of a bid to bring a $300m property, with a 64,000-square foot casino and a 21-story hotel to Homewood.
Local media reports say the gaming regulator has given preliminary approval for casinos in Danville, Rockford and Williamson County. The state also may put a casino in Chicago. The IGB recently extended the application deadline for a Windy City property to October 29.
The IGB also reportedly is considering bids from two groups vying for a license in the Chicago suburb of Waukegan.
