Rivers Casino Waukegan to support community

Churchill Downs and Rush Street unveiled more details about the US$150 million Rivers Casino proposed for the city of Waukegan.

US.- Churchill Downs and Rush Street Gaming have outlined their plans for a proposed casino in Waukegan, Illinois. The companies said that by the fifth year of operation, the Rivers Casino Waukegan would generate US$282 million in gross revenue.

Rivers’ owners said that they will generate that figure thanks to their proven marketing and customer service approach. They believe that they will attract high-end patrons to Waukegan and therefore generate more local taxes in the city and neighbouring communities than any other bidder.

They also promised the city monthly payments totalling US$6 million a year in lieu of tax revenue during construction. In contrast to any other bid, they said that they would be ready to go on day one of being approved.

“We have unmatched experience in running successful casino and entertainment venues,” said Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “We’re proud to partner with Rush Street Gaming to bring our shared vision for a world-class entertainment destination to Waukegan. And there is no doubt we will be the city’s best and most successful partner.”

Hiring locals

Rivers highlighted that city officials and numerous team members said that the company keeps its commitment to hiring locally. They also said that they contract within the local community. Rivers said that a 700k customers database and its 10-year, US$150 million investment in building the brand, Waukegan will benefit. They say those are reasons why they can deliver the highest local tax revenue with Rivers Casino Waukegan.

“We’re especially proud of our record of hiring a diverse local workforce. At Des Plaines, 60% of our employees are minorities as well as a third of our executives,” Neil Bluhm, chairman of Rush Street Gaming, said. “We spend over US$40 million a year with local Illinois businesses. Over the past four years we’ve spent US$37 million with minority- and women-owned businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises.”