Illinois is on the precipice of a gambling revolution and the signs of this seismic shift are becoming ever more pronounced. As the state’s gambling landscape continues to change rapidly, one recent event stands out as a testament to this transformation- the launch of the Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort.
This new establishment, located on a picturesque rural estate just outside Carterville, not only promises to revive the region but also serves as a harbinger of economic growth and community contribution. Governor JB Pritzker and a multitude of attendees from all over southern Illinois gathered to mark the launch of the new resort and celebrate the significant moment in the gambling market’s history.
The launch of Walker’s Bluff Casino was particularly important due to its status as the 4th casino to launch under the umbrella of the 2019 Illinois gambling expansion. This legislation was a central point in the Governor’s first term. This expansion was responsible for ushering a wave of transformation changes to Illinois’ lucrative gambling landscape.
Walker’s Bluff encompasses an array of amenities including 650 slot machines and table games. The resort also boasts a luxurious hotel, an array of dining options to choose from, a spa facility, as well as a sprawling 1200-seat event center. All these offerings collectively create a tapestry of entertainment that is expected to create more than 300 new people, further stimulating the local employment scene.
Gov. Pritzker encapsulated the essence of this launch stating that the new casino represented a revived hospitality scene, jobs, as well as economic development. The fruition of this new resort serves as a testament to the potential of strategic legislative decisions in catalyzing not just entertainment but also financial prosperity.
It should be noted that the casino’s significance extends beyond its amenities and entertainment value. Each casino, as part of the state’s requirements, is mandated to make one-time contributions to the Rebuild Illinois fund within 30 days of launching. For the Walker’s Bluff casino, this translates to a considerable sum of $25.3 million.
During the launch of the casino, Governor Pritzker highlighted Illinois’ commitment to redirecting these profits towards different projects in southern Illinois including initiatives at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, as well as John Logan College situated in Carterville.
The journey leading up to the launch of the $147 million project was signified by years of effort. The driving force behind the launch of the new casino was Cynde Bunch and her late husband David. The couples’ vision took shape in the form of a luxury restaurant and general store known as Walker’s Bluff, which was set up in 2008.
What we cover
The Gambling expansion
The 2019 amendment to the state’s Gambling Act paved the way for the launch of 6 new casinos including this newly launched one. Aside from expanding the number of casinos in Illinois, the Act also introduced the concept of racinos, which are a fusion of casinos and horse racetracks, alongside provisions for online and brick-and-mortar sports betting, as well as video gambling.
Yet, this expansion was more than just an endeavor to boost entertainment options for locals. It was also an intentional move to bolster Illinois’ economic infrastructure. The profits generated from the expansion were all strategically earmarked to contribute to the Rebuild Illinois Initiative.
The gambling expansion was also aimed at revitalizing Illinois’ roads, bridges, and other government facilities via capital improvements. The financial injection from the expansion has been further supported by increases in licensing fees, as well as motor fuel tax.
Preceding the launch of Walker’s Bluff casino, other openings were already making waves in Illinois’ sprawling gambling market. The Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, for instance, marked its opening in November 2021. The launch of Hard Rock Casino was followed by the American Place Casino in Waukegan in February last year.
Additionally, the Golden Nugget in Danville added to the casino surge in June 2023. The excitement brought by these establishments has been palpable, with Rockford and Waukegan already contributing millions each month from their temporary facilities.
The path ahead promises to be even more exciting with the emergence of 2 more land-based casinos. Among this is the $1.7 billion Bally’s development in Chicago’s River West region. The new Bally’s facility stands as one of the most highly anticipated ventures as the Rhode Island-based Bally’s also boasts an impressive portfolio including casinos all across the country.
Former Mayor Lightfoot pushed the Bally construction through the City Council last spring through a contentious selection process. The temporary casino, which is to be located inside the old Medina Temple in River North will be debuted before the end of the year and will serve as a temporary facility before the permanent casino is constructed in River West at the site of the old Chicago Tribune printing plant.
The $1.7 billion development at Bally’s will include casino restaurants, a spa, as well as a hotel tower exposing guests to views of the nearby river. Once complete, the temporary casino will accommodate 750 slot games as well as 50 table games in its 134,000-square-foot facility. Bally’s temporary facility is expected to welcome its first round of guests by the beginning of fall.
Although the gambling expansion saw the addition of racinos, these racetrack casino combinations are yet to come to fruition. Plans for the construction of 2 of these facilities were abandoned. However, operators of tracks in Collinsville’s Metro East and Cicero Close Chicago have preliminary approval to add casinos but are yet to take the steps to do so.
Final Thoughts
Illinois’ expansion of its gambling market is the first biggest change to the state’s casino industry since the 90s when Illinois finally legalized riverboat gambling. Illinois was the second state to do so behind Iowa. Through it all, Illinois has emerged as one of the most lucrative gambling markets in the country, and with the continued expansion, the state is no doubt undergoing a revolution.
