Illinois gets set for casinos
After signing the gambling expansion legislation, Governor JB Pritzker spoke before Carterville inhabitants about one of the first new Illinois casinos.
US.- Walker’s Bluff – in Carterville – is one of six places in Illinois that will open new casinos. That’s why Governor J.B. Pritzker advanced the capital infrastructure plan and announced it as a great economic growth opportunity.
The resort had pushed for gaming for nearly a decade and will finally get its own offering. It will get a licence that’s part of a US$45 billion capital infrastructure plan known as Rebuild Illinois.
“We are creating jobs in southern Illinois,” Pritzker said. We’ve authorized a casino license for Walker’s Bluff Resort expansion.”
Illinois casinos and the gambling expansion would bring US$470 million a year in state revenue.
Lieutenant Gov. Juliana Stratton also celebrated the expansion and its potential to create jobs. “I’m so proud that the revenue generated will deliver results by investing in transportation, state facilities, education and our environment.”
Walker’s Bluff has 120 days to submit the gaming licence, starting at the moment the governor signed the bill.
Walker’s Bluff Winery owner Cynde Bunch hopes to open the first of Illinois new casinos by January 2021. They will add a water park and hotels, which will take an additional two years.
The approved legislation
The gaming industry continues to expand. After waiting for nearly a month, Illinois joined the sports betting market as Governor JB Pritzker signed the respective bill.
The piece of legislation cleared the General Assembly earlier in June. Senate Bill 690 passed the high chamber on a 46-10 vote and was awaiting the governor’s signature.
“Together we passed the largest, most robust capital plan in this state’s history,” Pritzker said. “We’re investing US$45 billion over six years to fix what’s broken and repair what needs fixing.”
The bill authorises six new casinos in downtown Chicago, Williamson County, Rockford, Waukegan, Danville and South Suburbs. Moreover, those facilities, as well as race tracks and sports venues with more than 17,000 seats will also be eligible to buy Illinois sports betting licences.
