The casino would partner with minority business enterprises

Illinois: Matteson village board approves Choctaw's south suburban casino plan

Along with 2,000 gaming positions, the casino complex in Matteson would include a 200-room hotel, high-end-restaurant and a 36,000 square foot convention space.
2019-10-22
Reading time 1:39 min
The casino would include a historical exhibit on the multi-cultural history of the area, which is home to several Underground Railroad sites. A portion of the gaming revenues would possibly fund the opening or reopening of a trauma center in the south suburbs.

The Matteson Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Choctaw Nation's plan for a casino in their Monday night board meeting.

The plan was approved in a 6-0 vote. The proposed casino would be operated by the Chocktaw Nation of Oklahoma, and would sit at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Harlem Avenue in Matterson, Cook County, Illinois. Along with 2,000 gaming positions, the casino complex would include a 200-room hotel, high-end-restaurant and a 36,000 square foot convention space, according to a news release from the village. 

"I believe this project will be an asset not just to Matteson, but to the entire Southland Region," said Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, as reported by ABC7. "After interviewing multiple casino operators, we felt the team led by the Choctaw Nation provided the best combination of experience, vision, community engagement, and a financially feasible plan" noted the Mayor.

"We're honored with the chance to match our team's experience with the community of Matteson and to create jobs and opportunity across the south suburbs," said Janie Dillard, the tribe's chief executive in charge of its businesses.

Village trustees also said the proposed casino would partner with minority business enterprises, including inside its food hall. The casino would also include a historical exhibit on the multi-cultural history of the area, which is home to several Underground Railroad sites. Also, a portion of the gaming revenues would possibly fund the opening or reopening of a trauma center in the south suburbs.

Officials from Calumet City and Crestwood announced proposals last Thursday for the new south suburban gambling venue authorized under Illinois’ massive gaming expansion, bringing the number of competing bids to five. Wind Creek Hospitality wants to bring the casino to 175th Street and Halsted along the border of Homewood and East Hazel Crest; the Ho-Chunk Nation is pushing to set up shop near Route 394 and Glenwood Dyer Road in Lynwood.

Applications must be submitted to the Illinois Gaming Board by the end of the month. The agency then has a year to award a casino license authorized by Senate Bill 690.

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