On Monday, bids were due on the City of Chicago’s request for proposal (RFP) for its first integrated casino-resort. Five proposals were submitted for consideration in developing a world-class casino-resort and entertainment experience in Chicago with the goal of being awarded the city’s sole casino owner’s license. The City of Chicago received a total of five proposals from the following applicants:
• Bally’s Corporation submitted two proposals for two different sites; its casino operations would be self-managed
• HR Chicago, LLC submitted a proposal for a single site; its casino operations would be managed by an affiliate, Hard Rock International
• Rivers Chicago at McCormick, LLC submitted a proposal for a single site; its casino operations would be managed by Rush Street Gaming, LLC
• Rivers 78 Gaming, LLC submitted a proposal for a single site; its casino operations would be managed by Rush Street Gaming, LLC
The selected proposal will have the exclusive opportunity to own and operate a casino-resort in the country’s third-largest metropolitan market. An initiative three decades in the making, the Chicago casino remains one of the country’s most attractive casino-resort development opportunities. The holder of the Chicago owner’s license has the opportunity to operate a temporary casino for up to 24 months (subject to a 12-month extension) and, thereafter, a permanent casino located in the City. Applicants selected through the RFP process then must apply to the state for the owner’s license and meet the state’s licensing requirements.