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Inside the New Casino Proposals for Crestwood and Calumet City

The City of Crestwood and the City of Calument announced a plan for a series of games in the southern suburbs. Already, there are five offers for the execution of the same, which have arrived. At a council meeting in the city of Calument, the operator of the game, Delaware North Gaming, presented its proposal to present the Southland Live Casino at the River Oaks Center, on River Oaks Drive and Torrence Avenue; this is a site that is next to Interstate 80/94/294. As reported by Timothy Hughes, project manager, "the River Oaks Center was the economic engine of the southeast cities." According to him, the Southland Live Casino is important and has the potential to fulfill the goal of creating a casino in a suburban area that supports a minority community.

The casino will have 150,000 square feet of building space, with an investment of $275 million in 20 acres. The casino will include 1,235 gaming stations, a music station, dining options and an 18-story hotel. With this investment, Delaware North Gaming estimates that it will create 1,200 jobs during the construction process and employ approximately 1,150 people when fully operational. These employees would generate annual revenues of $200 million and pay taxes estimated at up to $50 million per year.

In addition, according to State Law, the casino must pay 5 percent of its gross gaming revenues to the municipalities that host them. Of this percentage, three percent will go directly to the municipalities that host them.

Therefore, if we assume that the casino generates 100 percent of its revenues (which is impossible) or pays 5 percent (a minimum), each year Calument City would receive approximately four million dollars and the annexed suburbs would receive six million Dollars.

Organizers indicate that they have the support of all adjacent municipalities such as Dolton, Burnham, South Holland and Lansing. However, Michelle Markiewicz Qualkinbush, Mayor of Calument City could not be contacted for her views. Calument City has had a monopoly on gaming expansion for many years since the early 1990s.

Delaware North Gaming has operated several casinos throughout the United States and indicates that once approved, they could open a temporary facility at an existing retail storefront at the Carson Pirie Scott Shopping Center in less than ninety days.

For its part, officials from Crestwood have authorized the submission of the casino proposal despite expressing reservations. Bill Graffeo Director of Village Services for Crestwood stated that his village has formed a partnership with a developer organization called Robbins-Crestwood Gaming LLC. Graffeo indicated that the members of this organization prefer to remain anonymous.

Graffeo added that the ownership of this organization is comprised of a minority group with national gaming experience.

Graffeo also mentioned that the Resort and Casino being developed is expected to cost $400 million and will cover 46 acres at Cal-Sag Road and Cicero Avenue. In relation to casino patrons, Graffeo indicated that this represents only one-third of the number of potential customers in this area; there will be swimming pool facilities, picnic areas and restaurants. Additionally, Graffeo considered that this would be an excellent recreational spot for all residents.

Crestwood and Calumet City are actively developing their respective casino plans. In contrast, Wind Creek Hospitality, gaming and hospitality division for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has expressed interest in taking over this casino at 175th Street and Halsted Avenue along the border between East Hazel Crest and Homewood.

Additionally, they wish to obtain Glenwood-Dyer Road and 394 in Lynwood; however Ho Chunk wants to get Glenwood-Dyer Road and 394 in Lynwood. Furthermore, the Nation of Choctaw in Oklahoma is interested in acquiring Harlem Avenue and Lincoln Highway in Matteson.

Finally, Mayor James Ford of Country Club Hills indicated that his city may associate itself with a developer group and enter into competition with others. He added that to date, no official bid has been submitted by anyone regarding this matter.

All parties wishing to apply for a casino license through the Illinois Gaming Board must do so prior to the end of the month. Once bids are received by the Board they will have one year to award licenses to those applicants.

FAQ: Essential Facts Regarding Two Proposed Casinos in Crestwood and Calumet City

Where are the two new casinos proposed to be built?

The Southland Live Casino will be constructed at River Oaks Center on River Oaks Drive and Torrance Avenue in close proximity to Interstate 80/94/294 to draw upon players coming from both Illinois and Indiana. A second large-scale casino proposal includes a $400 million resort and casino planned for construction on a 46-acre property at Cal-Sag Road and Cicero Avenue in Crestwood.

What type of impact will these new casinos have on the economy?

The proposed Southland Live Casino involves a $275 million dollar investment and promises to produce approximately 1,200 construction jobs and approximately 1,150 permanent and seasonal employment opportunities. Both proposals anticipate generating $200 million in yearly revenues and contributing up to $50 million in tax revenues. Similar economic benefits are anticipated as a result of the development of the proposed casino in Crestwood.

What kind of financial benefits will be realized by local government entities resulting from these casinos?

Under state statute, all casinos operating in Illinois must dedicate five percent of their gross gaming revenues to fund grants awarded to local governments hosting their operations. For example, should we estimate that the Southland Live Casino achieves 100 percent of its theoretical maximum revenues (which is impossible) or pays five percent (a minimum) each year, Calument City would receive approximately four million dollars annually while the annexed suburbs would receive approximately six million dollars annually.

What are some major characteristics of the Southland Live Casino?

Southland Live Casino will encompass approximately 150,000 square feet featuring 1,235 gaming tables/stations, live music venues, numerous dining establishments and an eighteen-story hotel. The size and scope of this establishment intend to serve as a model for a complete entertainment experience.

Who backs these casino proposals?

Casino organizers report that they have received support from all surrounding municipalities including Dolton, Burnham, South Holland and Lansing, representing a solid foundation of local support for both casino proposals.

What makes these casinos different?

While both proposals seek to establish a casino presence in suburban areas that support minority communities, one aspect sets them apart from other casinos. The ownership group behind the proposed Crestwood casino is composed entirely of minority owners with experience in national gaming operations; signifying their commitment to promoting inclusive economic development.