Last Illinois Casino License May Be Down to Finalists
The tenth and last casino license in Illinois is being offered to bidders, and Wednesday the Illinois Gaming Board gave notice that it expects to narrow the field from at least six down to three finalists. The action may occur as soon as Friday afternoon, and the impending decision had to be announced under state law.
Once the last three bidders are determined, negotiations with the board will continue, as the state makes efforts to raise bids before deciding where the casino will be established. Currently, the board is examining bids from six towns: Rosemont, Waukegan, Des Plaines, Country Club Hills, Harvey and Stickney.
Of these, Rosemont may be the highest bidder, but the town's previous casino negotiations have left a sour taste in the mouths of many. The Emerald Casino was scheduled to be in Rosemont, but investigators uncovered hidden links between Emerald investors and organized crime.
Still, Trilliant Gaming has bid $435 million to obtain the gambling license for Rosemont, almost double the next highest bid, Waukegan Gaming's $225 million offer. However, board members have said the upfront bids will not be the sole determinant of the winner. Hiring practices, revenue-sharing plans, location, and many other factors will be considered.
Even though the Rosemont bid may not be the final choice, some have speculated that Trilliant will make the final three, if only to help drive up the price offered by the other two. On the other hand, the board may wish to make a statement by rejecting Rosemont, leaving no doubt as to its feelings regarding shadowy backgrounds.
