The
Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced plans to pursue a commercial casino in Illinois, joining at least two other tribal nations already in the game.
The $275 million proposal features a 64,000-square-foot casino with more than 1,300 slot machines and 56 table games, along with an entertainment center, three restaurants, two bars, a skyline lounge and a 251-room hotel with an indoor pool and spa, according to news reports. It would be located in the village of Homewood, about 26 miles south of downtown Chicago.
"Wind Creek Hospitality has a proven track record of success in developing high-quality and successful casino and entertainment projects, and we're excited about the opportunity to bring one to Illinois," Brent Pinkston, the chief operating officer for the Alabama-based
Wind Creek Hospitality, the tribe's gaming and hospitality arm, said in a news release quoted by the media.
The
Forest County Potawatomi
Community is also pursuing a commercial casino in Waukegan, Illinois. The tribe operates the
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, an Indian gaming facility, in neighboring Wisconsin.
The
Seminole Tribe, through its
Hard Rock International enterprise, is in the game too. The project is in Rockford, near the northern border of Illinois with Wisconsin.
A new Illinois law authorizes up to six casinos in the state. Ten are already in operation.
The Poarch Band, through Wind Creek Hospitality, either operates or manages tribal and commercial casinos across the U.S. and in other countries. The Seminoles do the same with Hard Rock.
The Forest County Potawatomi Community's proposal in Illinois is a first for the tribe.
Read More on the Story
Casino proposed for 24-acre site on I-80 in south suburbs
(The Daily Southtown / Chicago Tribune October 3, 2019)
Casino, hotel proposed for Homewood, East Hazel Crest
(ABC7 October 3, 2019)
Proposed Homewood-East Hazel Crest casino subject of Monday hearing
(The Homewood-Floosmore Chronicle October 2, 2019)
Rockford city staff recommends Hard Rock casino proposal
(WIFR September 30, 2019)
City of Rockford recommends Hard Rock International casino proposal
(WREX September 30, 2019)
Join the Conversation
