By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor Updated: 08/08/2019
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino hopes to win the casino development project, Photo by Pixabay
On Monday, August 5th, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino presented their application to build a commercial casino in the city of Waukegan, the ninth most populated city in Illinois.
The casino, which is owned and operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community, has been serving Milwaukee for 30 years, and now the community leaders are more than ready to establish a presence in Waukegan.
Back in May, Mayor of Waukegan, Sam Cunningham, testified before the House Committee that the city was awaiting the long-discussed Lake County casino. He was one among many city and county officials proposing that their communities should be home to one of the several casinos being planned as part of the larger gambling expansions in the state.
On 28th June, Governor of the Midwestern state, J.B. Pritzker, signed into law several bills aimed at funding a $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” plan, a 6-year state-wide construction program that will include universities, community colleges, bridges, and roads.
With the new legislation, casino gaming in the state will grow leaps and bounds, providing additional licenses to:
So, in July, the city of Waukegan published a Request for Proposals (RFP) to potential casino developers. Robert Long, corporation counsel for the city stated that in response to the RFP, half a dozen proposals were received by the 3 PM cutoff deadline on Monday.
Nestled in the Potawatomi treaty lands, between Milwaukee and Chicago, Waukegan is one of Illinois’ most mature communities. The city, which boasts a rich tribal heritage, is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and is situated 10 miles south of Wisconsin and 35 miles north of Downtown Chicago.
Rodney Ferguson, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, said in a press release,
The city of Waukegan is in search of a qualified developer to bring a first-class entertainment experience with their new casino. Having successfully operated in this gaming market for several decades, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is a natural fit to develop this project.
According to Ferguson, the casino sees six million visitors walk through its door each year, which makes it one of the biggest and most popular entertainment destinations in the Midwest.
The Potawatomi’s RFP stressed on the history and success of their casino thus far, and on its marketing strategy for the new development if their application is successful.
Potawatomi’s RFP for Waukegan, among other facilities, includes:
The organization aims to target a 28-site situated in the Fountain Square retail and commercial district, which is located in proximity to the southwest corner of the state’s highways 120 and 43.
If the proposal comes to fruition, the new Waukegan Potawatomi casino will come under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Gaming Boards and subject to federal and local laws of the state.
Jane ShawMay 18, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 15, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 13, 2024Read More
Jane ShawMay 11, 2024Read More