Concerns Illinois may delay south suburbs casino licence

There is currently an October 28 deadline for awarding the new casino licence.

US.- Officials in Illinois’ south suburbs are concerned the Illinois Gaming Board could delay the area’s casino licence.

The board’s final regular meeting is scheduled for September 17, and there is currently an October 28 deadline for awarding the licence, as specified in gaming expansion legislation passed in 2019.

Lawmakers believe that the board could extend the deadline, a decision that would disappoint many municipal and business leaders who are looking to stimulate the local economy.

The south suburbs were long unable to host a casino as a consequence of the 1990 Riverboat Gambling Act. The act was amended in 2019 to expand the legal gambling sector in the state.

The amendment allows for the creation of new casinos in Chicago, Rockford, Danville, Williamson County, Waukegan and the South suburbs.

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca commented: “There is some language in the act that would allow for a delay.”

Under current law, the Illinois Gaming Board can take up to a year to evaluate applications, check the backgrounds of investors and principal agents and make a decision on which operator to choose.

The board said in a statement: “Regarding potential determinations involving applicants for new licenses, the gaming board does not comment on the status of pending applications, other than to say that it is processing, vetting and investigating the 10 new casino applicant submissions.”