October 29, 2021

CHICAGO – Today, bids were due on the City of Chicago’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for its first integrated casino complex. Five proposals were submitted for consideration as part of the development of a world-class casino complex and entertainment experience in Chicago with the goal of obtaining the city’s sole casino owner license.

The City of Chicago received a total of five proposals from the following applicants (listed in alphabetical order):

• Bally’s Company submitted two proposals for two different sites; its casino operations would be self-managed
• RH Chicago, LLC submitted a proposal for a single site; its casino operations would be managed by a subsidiary, Hard Rock International
• Chicago Rivers 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 complex in the third largest metropolitan market in the country.

“We are delighted to have received five high caliber proposals from Bally’s Corporation; HR Chicago, LLC; Rivers Chicago at McCormick, LLC; and Rivers 78 Gaming, LLC, ”said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Submission of bid responses represents a major step towards the thoughtful development of a casino complex that elevates our businesses, employs and empowers our residents, and encourages tourism. We look forward to the next phase of discussions to bring this world-class entertainment experience to our city. ”

To view the call for tenders, click here. .

An initiative in the works for three decades, the Chicago casino remains one of the most attractive casino complex development opportunities in the country. A global gateway city of 9.5 million people, Chicago hosted 60 million domestic visitors and 1.5 million international visitors in 2019. The successful bidder will be able to integrate their property into the vibrant cultural scene the city, a robust transit infrastructure and a very diverse economy.

Chicago is one of the most dynamic cities in the world and this license represents a unique opportunity for a casino operator in the heart of a large American city.

The Chicago owner’s license holder has the option of operating 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 tendering process must then apply to the state for an owner’s license and meet state licensing requirements.

Now that the responses to the RFP have been received, a review committee composed of a representative sample of City departments will determine the recommended successful bidder. This recommendation will be made by the review committee to Mayor Lightfoot who will ultimately make the decision with City Council approval.

Further information on the proposal summaries will be shared in the coming weeks.

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