Hard Rock Rockford gets OK for temporary casino in Illinois

Authorities have approved a temporary casino with a licence to operate for two years in the city of Rockford.

US.- Work to build a temporary casino in Rockford, Illinois, could begin this week, after authorities approved the project presented by Hard Rock.

While more approvals will be necessary before the temporary venue opens, Rockford mayor Tom McNamara said the start of construction was a “huge accomplishment”.

He said on Twitter: “Of the 6 casinos that were approved in the casino expansion bill in 2019, we are the first to begin construction!”

State senator Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) said construction could begin as early as this week and that that facility could operate for up to two years.

Syverson said: “For more than 20 years, I have worked to bring this project to fruition, knowing that it will have such a positive economic impact locally. After so long, it is very rewarding to see this project gain real momentum.”

The Rockford Register Star is expected to hold about 730 slot machines. Construction could take about three months.

The temporary casino is less than a mile away from the location of a $310m permanent venue to be built on the east side of town.