Chicago received offers from three gambling companies to build the sole casino in America’s third-largest city, officials said Friday.
Bally’s Corp., Hard Rock International and Rush Street Gaming all submitted bids for what’s expected to be a $1 billion-plus hotel, casino and entertainment complex. The winner will also get rights to operate slot machines at O’Hare and Midway airports, according to an earlier request for proposals.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a strong backer of the casino, has pitched the project as integral to the city’s growth, and a way to help chip away at rising pension costs. While jobs from construction are expected to boost employment, a temporary casino could start to bring in tax revenue quickly. Bidders were instructed to submit plans for minority participation, including in construction and contracting.
