“As the city rebuilt better 150 years ago, after the Great Chicago Fire, today the casino project is our generation’s opportunity for an innovative and transformative reimagining,” said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago, and Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago. “From creating equitable and inclusive economic development and job creation, to opportunities for businesses all over our city—the casino will be a catalyst for meaningful change. Mayor Lightfoot and her administration are committed to making decisions in the coming days that best serve Chicago and showcase our diversity, our culture, and why we continue to be recognized as a world-class city. Once built, I expect the casino to become a top ranked, global destination; and a point of pride for all our residents.”

“The Chicago labor movement is excited about the opportunity a casino will provide the City, our communities and Chicago’s tourism and hospitality industry,” said Bob Reiter, President Chicago Federation of Labor. “The wagering and admission taxes collected at the Chicago casino will support the state’s Capital Projects Fund to address critical infrastructure needs across the region, creating job opportunities our communities desperately need. These funds will also provide much-needed support to the City’s public employee pension funds. We trust that over the next few weeks these casino finalists will make good on the Mayor’s commitment to ensure labor harmony for hospitality operations so the construction and operation of Chicago’s long-awaited casino will expand good, family sustaining jobs in our communities.” 

“Attracting a world-class casino worthy of a world-class city like Chicago is a win,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association. “A casino is a natural complement to our city’s sports teams, museums, Convention Center, and dynamic culinary scene. It translates to more diners in seats and guests in beds, which mean stronger revenues and a brighter future for our restaurants.”

“Chicago’s hotel community is excited that progress is being made towards awarding the Chicago casino license,” said Michael Jacobson, President and CEO, Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.” Once built, this will be a much-needed economic development engine that will help support our hospitality industry, which continues to face so many challenges. We look forward to continuing our conversations with Mayor Lightfoot and other City officials as they finalize this once-in-a-generation opportunity for Chicago.” 

“We are pleased to see the progress toward adding yet another experience with the development of an integrated casino resort,” said Jim Meyer, Interim President, Choose Chicago. “This project will build upon the rich diversity of experiences, from arts and culture, to sports and entertainment, that can only be found in Chicago.”

“This is exactly the type of plan that will help move the City forward with significant job creation and revenues at the state and local levels, as many have been hoping for and expecting,” said Brad Cole, Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League.  “A lot of work has gone into getting this right, and I look forward to the continued work Mayor Lightfoot is putting forth to make turn this into a reality.”