Harrah’s Joliet Keeps Casino License Until 2027

Article by : Erik Gibbs Sep 16, 2023

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The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) concluded a period of active administrative work related to casino gaming by unanimously approving the renewal of Harrah’s Joliet’s license until September 2027.

The decision, voted 4-0, followed a presentation by casino officials led by Senior Vice President Rachel Bartolini, who highlighted their accomplishments during the previous four years.

Bartolini added that the company had also successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over this period, Harrah’s Joliet generated $530 million in casino revenue. This translated to Harrah’s Joliet contributing $105 million in tax revenue to the state.

The license renewal came after a busy three-month period; three new casinos opened in Illinois, bringing the total to 15. Golden Nugget in Danville started its permanent operations in late May.

The Golden Nugget reported $8.7 million in adjusted gross revenue in its initial 94 days until August. Walker’s Bluff Casino in Williamson County launched in late August, recording over $830,000 in AGR during its first nine days.

However, the highlight was Bally’s opening of its temporary casino at Medinah Temple in downtown Chicago last Saturday.

IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter emphasized the swift process from Bally’s initial suitability assessment in June to accepting wagers in less than three months.

The $135 million upfront fees Bally’s will pay within 30 days after opening will be allocated to the Rebuild Illinois Fund for infrastructure development.

Five of the six locations granted new casino licenses in the 2019 Gaming Expansion Act signed by Gov. JB Pritzker now have live gaming.

The sixth, to be operated by Wind Creek in suburban Cook County, is under construction and targeting an early 2025 opening for a permanent venue.

Harrah’s emphasized its commitment to diversity and infrastructure development. The Joliet property boasts a workforce exceeding minimum diversity requirements, with 52% women and 45% minorities among its 500-strong staff.

Additionally, 41% of employees have at least 15 years of service, and 10% have or will soon reach 30 years of tenure.

Harrah’s also pledged to continue capital spending, with $6 million allocated for improvements from 2019-2022, including $2 million for slot upgrades and surveillance. Plans include another $7 million in improvements over the next 18 to 24 months.

The casino spent $51 million on goods and services from 2019-2022, with 58% going to Illinois-based vendors.

Moreover, Harrah’s directed $5.6 million to “diverse” vendors, making up 40% of non-exempt vendor expenses, nearly double the IGB’s 23% requirement for casino licensees.

The IGB has taken steps to expedite the implementation of SB 1462. The board unanimously passed a resolution granting Fruchter the authority to issue temporary identification badges to gaming employees applying for non-gaming positions under SB 1462.

SB 1462, which received approval from the state Senate in March and the House in May, allows individuals with felony convictions to apply for non-gaming roles in casinos, particularly in areas like hospitality and maintenance, which are essential for preserving the integrity of gaming.

However, the law is officially set to take effect on January 1. An amendment to SB 1462, approved before receiving concurrence from the House, gives the IGB the authority to evaluate every prospective licensee.

That means that authorities can decline an occupational license for individuals whose backgrounds may jeopardize the state’s public interests or the security and integrity of the gaming industry.