Approximately in the following years, it is likely that in Illinois you will see the appearance of more casinos. The legislation was recently signed by Governor JB Pritzker, in order to allow gambling the state to finally expand.
This legislation has included new developments near the Wisconsin border for the development of casinos in Rockford and Waukegan. The development of a casino in Illinois has been the attempt of at least some of the American tribes.
The Potawatomi hotel and casino in Milwaukee operates today in Potawatomi County, which outside its reservation is its only headquarters. The execution of a casino just 55 miles south in Waukegan is now the main objective of the tribe.
This population around your city has approximately 90,000 people. The large-scale operation in Milwaukee is larger than they expect to develop in Waukegan, according to Rodney Ferguson, CEO Potawatomi.
With respect to the Milwaukee casino, he says that this will be smaller, and with a less number of machines compared to the other, that has had good growth in the last 30 years within a million square feet since the existing market it does not give to realize something of a magnitude like this.
Before the proposal of the Menominee tribe to build a casino as a huge complex in Kenoshe, Potawatomi strongly opposed in 2013, because they felt the fear that their businesses in that place would be affected by having an operation close to Milwaukee.
The tribe protested, and eventually withheld payments from casino fees from the state. The Republican Scott Walker was then the governor and led the opposition to this project.
Milwaukee is not that far from either Waukegan or Kenosha, so Ferguson acknowledged that the operation of Potawatomi in Waukegan would be competition for his company.
And of course, Potawatomi seeks its operation there and they are interested precisely for this reason. But it is normal and happens very often since it is common for casinos to lose some share of the percentage of profit in the market due to the constant growth to which the casino market is exposed.
Finally, establishing a presence in Waukegan is the main objective to minimize any type of risk in Potawatomi with a hotel and casino in Milwaukee.
Ferguson commented that the offer presented by Potawatomi in the city of Waukegan has been some of the few presented so far this month. Potawatomi is aware and could soon find out again if your offer in accordance with the proposal request will be accepted. If so, at the end of October the Illinois Board of Games will have to recommend finalists in the city.
On the other hand, a tribe in Wisconsin in Ho-Chunk awaits the government’s decision to build the hotel complex in Beloit, Wisconsin and a casino. While this request remains frozen by Ho-Chunk, permission for a Rockford casino near the Illinois border in Wisconsin has been signed by the governor of Illinois in the new legislation for the month of June.
Ryan Greendeer, a spokesman for Ho-Chunk, said he has no worries about the fact that these two operations are only 17 miles away, almost as soon as the proposal made by the Beloit tribe is accepted.
He also declares that in the area of the gaming market and industry, the nation of Ho-Chunk is well trained. Also, he clarifies that all casino projects and each project are made so that they can be adapted to the needs of the area. Very different from the ideas they have in Rockford since in their opinion they are only interested in setting up a hotel, a restaurant,and a casino, and now.
In Wisconsin, half a dozen casinos are currently operated by Ho-Chunk,the reason why only one person in Illinois is against (Lorri Pickens) and seeks to place other citizens against the expansion of games in the locality. He opposes the construction of a casino in Beloit since it is one of Ho-Chunk’s plans.
This person claims that there may be an increase in poverty and an addiction to gambling, as a result of the influx caused by gambling in Illinois. In addition, he says that because Rockford and Waukegan are on the Wisconsin border, at first they tend to get people out. And as this will be something new for people they are going to have an interest in knowing what its functionality is like and that is how it starts in the world of addiction.
Illinois currently has six casinos. The bill that is expected to be approved will allow the expansion of license casino games, including the “mega-casino” in the city of Chicago, and six more places.
This bill, in addition to licensing games, allows sports betting in various locations including Wrigley Field (the headquarters of the Chicago Bears) and Soldiel Field (the home of the Chicago puppies). To add to this, the Midway and O’Hare airports could also open slot machines.
Conclusion
The hotel and the Potawatomi casino in Milwaukee are currently operating in Potawatomi County, so outside the reserve, this would be their only headquarters.
The tribe currently has as its main objective or really as the only one, to start the execution of a casino that would be located just 55 miles from southern Illinois, specifically in Waukegan. 90,000 people are the estimated population of this city.
The development in Waukegan according to, compared to the large-scale operation carried out in Milwaukee, would be smaller according to the statements issued by Potawatomi CEO Rodney Ferguson.
Hepoints out that something of such magnitude cannot clarify since the size of the market does not allow it, taking into account the Milwaukee casino, he also notes that 30 years have passed for it to grow to that size, by one million square feet.
A tangible buzz reverberates from Waukegan’s city streets to Milwaukee’s urban hub. It’s akin to the palpable excitement of the casino floor itself. A new wave of development is on the horizon in Illinois, promising high stakes and even higher rewards.
Imagine. Soon, nestled amidst Waukegan’s historical brick-and-mortar buildings, the Potawatomi tribe will bring their vision to life—a casino – not grandiose like its Milwaukee sibling but a scaled-down version, brimming with intimate charm. But don’t be deceived. Fewer machines won’t mean less impact. This new venture holds promise. Promise to rejuvenate the local economy and breathe fresh life into the local scene.
Yet, amidst the eager anticipation, a note of caution hangs in the air. From the bustling streets of Kenosha, an echo of competition rings. A reminder that the road to prosperity isn’t devoid of rivals. As the Potawatomi tribe plans its Waukegan debut, it must prepare for potential market duels.
But isn’t competition the market’s lifeblood, pulsing and driving it forward? Yes, indeed. It sharpens the wit and improves the game. It feeds innovation and fuels efficiency. And consumers? They bask in the glory of choice.
And there’s more. With the roll of the legislative dice, the gambling scene in Illinois is set to explode beyond casino walls. Picture this. Sports fans placing bets right at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field. The roar of the crowd amplified with the thrill of a wager. And at the airports? Wait time will take on a new meaning with slot machines’ clinking, blinking allure.
A transformative chapter is being written on the history of Illinois’s gaming industry. The expansion is not just about growth; it’s about metamorphosis. Illinois isn’t merely joining the casino bandwagon; it’s aiming to steer it, becoming a beacon in the Midwest casino market.
In a nutshell? It’s game on, Illinois. Your hand looks promising, and it’s time to play your cards right.