As Wind Creek casino opens in south suburbs, is the Chicago area’s gaming market oversaturated?

Saturday, November 9, 2024 11:21 AM
  • Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times

A gleaming new casino is poised to attract gamblers from across the Chicago area and northwest Indiana, with a sprawling gaming floor and upscale dining options that’ll make it one of Illinois’ biggest draws and most lucrative tax revenue generators, officials say.

It’s not the Chicago casino — it’s another new gambling mecca a half-hour’s drive south, set to open within days.

Leaders of the Wind Creek Chicago Southland gave reporters a first look Thursday at the East Hazel Crest casino that’s awaiting state regulatory approval to start welcoming gamblers as soon as this week.

The $529 million, 1,400-slot emporium will mark the sixth and final new casino added to the state’s glut of gambling options.