Wind Creek Chicago Casino Almost Ready
Author:
Scott Lawson
Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino’s construction is on track for a projected summer 2024 opening. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Roger Kuehn, the casino’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, highlighted the forthcoming “under roof” stage of the East Hazel Crest building before winter, marking a pivotal phase in the casino’s construction timeline.
According to several reports, the construction of the Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino mega project is on schedule for a tentative summer 2024 opening.
?Max Bender/Unsplash
Project Was Initially Planned as 21-Storey Tower; Scope Decreased Due to Material Costs
Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino, a much-anticipated project in East Hazel Crest, remains on track for its scheduled opening in the summer of 2024. In an update provided to the Chicago Tribune, Roger Kuehn, the casino’s executive vice president and general manager, highlighted that the construction of the East Hazel Crest building is progressing according to plan, reaching a crucial stage by being “under roof” before the onset of winter.
Strategically situated southwest of the Interstate 80 and Halsted Street interchange, the casino’s focal point is a 16-story hotel boasting 252 rooms. Currently, the construction process is advancing swiftly, with the steel framework anticipated to be completed within approximately three weeks. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the overall progression of the project toward its finalization.
Originally envisioned as a 21-story tower, the height of the structure was adjusted due to economic considerations, particularly relating to material costs, particularly steel. Despite this alteration, Wind Creek remains committed to delivering a state-of-the-art casino and hotel experience to its patrons. While the initial estimate had hinted at a late summer or early fall 2024 unveiling, Kuehn affirmed that the project is maintaining its pace and remains firmly on schedule for an opening window spanning from July to September of the same year. This adherence to the timeline underscores Wind Creek’s dedication to delivering its offerings within the projected timeframe, aiming to meet the eager anticipation of its future patrons in the Chicago Southland area.
Construction Milestones for 73,000 Square Foot Project Are Being Reached
The ongoing construction progress at Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino, spanning a generous 73,000 square feet, is steadily reaching critical milestones, with the enclosure of the building projected for completion by early January. Favorable weather conditions have facilitated an extended outdoor construction season, ensuring timely advancements in the project’s development.
Upon the enclosure of the casino structure, the construction focus will pivot towards interior enhancements, encompassing critical aspects such as plumbing, electrical systems, and advanced computer infrastructure. A prospective timeline sets the opening of the hotel approximately four to five months following the casino’s inaugural reception of customers.
Spanning across East Hazel Crest and Homewood, the casino’s footprint is poised to contribute significantly to the revenues of 42 south suburban communities, in addition to the two host suburbs. The site, previously occupied by two hotels, will transform into a prominent establishment featuring a robust 1,350-slot machine casino complemented by 56 table games, an expansive 13,000-square-foot buffet area, and an impressive 10,000-square-foot entertainment space.
Wind Creek, operating under the umbrella of PCI Gaming Authority Inc., holds the management reins of 10 casinos on behalf of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, headquartered in Alabama. The ambitious project forecasts the creation of approximately 800 permanent job opportunities, signaling promising economic growth and employment prospects. Recruitment endeavors are already underway to secure pivotal roles within the establishment.
Looking ahead, the management is planning comprehensive job fairs approximately two months before the casino’s grand opening. Additionally, a second event is potentially on the horizon closer to the anticipated opening date, aligning with efforts to foster employment opportunities within the region, a crucial aspect of Wind Creek’s community engagement and development strategy.
Illinois Rolled Out Red Carpet for Hard Rock Sportsbook in August 2023
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has granted the long-awaited approval for the introduction of a new sportsbook at the esteemed Hard Rock Casino located in Rockford. Following this significant nod of approval, 815 Entertainment, the entity behind Hard Rock Casino Rockford, has secured the coveted sports wagering operator license. Simultaneously, Seminole Hard Rock Digital has been sanctioned as a sports wagering management service provider.
While the approval is a crucial step toward launching sports betting services, the casino must adhere strictly to the IGB’s guidelines for both in-person and online betting offerings. With a clear focus on compliance, the casino is diligently working towards integrating these betting services, targeting an anticipated rollout within the upcoming two months.
Seminole Hard Rock Digital, a well-established entity in the industry, currently operates thriving online sportsbooks in multiple states. Its portfolio includes successful launches in Indiana and Tennessee last year, which further augmented its existing online offerings catering to enthusiastic players in New Jersey and Iowa. This strategic expansion reinforces the casino’s stature within the US gaming sphere, addressing the surging demand for sports betting services across the nation.
Full House Announced Plans to Launch Illinois Casino Back in November 2022
Full House Resorts, a notable US-based land-based casino operator, revealed its plans to introduce two new casino facilities in Illinois and Colorado back in November 2022, marking a significant expansion of its gaming portfolio in the Midwest.
In Illinois, Full House Resorts has made significant strides in its latest venture, with the development of a new casino facility in Waukegan set to be operational within the next three months of 2022. The company has progressed swiftly, moving towards the final stages of preparation, including product and systems testing slated to commence before the end of November 2022. Recent reports confirm the installation of approximately 1,000 slot machines at the site, indicating substantial progress in the casino’s setup. Moreover, the impending launch of the Illinois-based casino is anticipated to generate hundreds of employment opportunities, with the resort already extending over 400 job offers for various positions.
Simultaneously, Full House Resorts is actively pursuing its ambitious Chamonix project in Cripple Creek, Colorado, signaling substantial progress in the company’s expansion endeavors. President and Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Lee, shared insights into the project, highlighting the recent milestone of reaching the ‘topping off’ phase in September 2022. This achievement signifies a significant advancement in the construction process, underlining the steady progression toward the projected mid-2023 launch of the Colorado-based casino.
With these strategic developments in both Illinois and Colorado, Full House Resorts is poised to augment its presence in the casino industry, presenting new opportunities and entertainment offerings to patrons in the Midwest region.
Full House Resorts president and chief executive Daniel Lee even went so far as to provide observers with a sneak peek at the project while still under development:
“In Waukegan, Illinois, we are installing décor and are preparing for the installation of slot machines this week. We expect to have our entire slot floor installed and ready for testing before the end of November. As with all new casino openings, we have an extensive checklist to complete prior to welcoming our first customers. Therefore, while the company expects to open the casino within the next three months, the precise opening date is still uncertain.”
