HOMEWOOD, IL (WLS) – On Thursday, Chicago's southern suburbs showed off their new casino.
“This is exactly what we envisioned and beyond,” Homewood Mayor Richard Hofield said.
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It's a safe bet that Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino could open sometime next week, following final approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.
“It's more than just gaming, it's much more than just a casino. It's a place you want to come to for the ultimate entertainment experience,” said Kathy Amos, executive director of marketing for Wind Creek Chicago Southland.
Located near Interstate 80 and Halsted Avenue, the $529 million project is a 75,000-square-foot venue, with a casino located within the city limits of East Hazel Crest and a parking garage located on adjacent land in Homewood.
It is estimated that the casino could generate revenue of about $2 million annually for the Southland area.
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“It's been 12 years of work to get this done, and it's clearly starting to pay off. It's worth it,” said Thomas Brown, Mayor of East Hazel Crest.
In December of 2021, Wind Creek's parent company, which operates nearly a dozen casinos and other gaming properties for the Alabama-based Poarch Band of Creek Indians, received preliminary approval from the state to build and operate the casino as part of the state. Legislation expanding casino gambling in Illinois.
“We've been talking for a long time about how Chicagoans can go to Indiana,” said Democratic State Rep. Will Davis. “This presents an opportunity for them to stay here in Illinois, and allows us to take advantage of their spending dollars here.” Area 30.
Wind Creek will have about 1,400 slot machines and 56 table games.
The casino features a 13,000-square-foot buffet, as well as a 10,000-square-foot entertainment area, creating more than 1,000 permanent jobs.
Aside from being a beautiful, modern facility, some say it's an experience that rivals any in Las Vegas.
“At the end of the day, all casinos offer the same thing: steakhouses and craps tables,” Roger Cohen said. “It's really the involvement of team members and employees that really makes the difference, and that's really what sets us apart.” Wind Creek Chicago Southland General Manager and Executive Vice President.
The 16-storey hotel tower is scheduled to open in early 2025.
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