However, the full build-out which will include a hotel in Phase II is still some three years away. The new permanent casino will replace the temporary, “Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act”, on Bell School Rd by September 2023 according to some reports. The shovels were turned at the casino’s permanent location near the entrance of Interstate 90 on East State Street. The approval process was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic as meetings had to be postponed.About three years after the Illinois legislature passed a bill approving Hard Rock Casino Rockford, the ground was broken last Wednesday by Hard Rock representatives and city officials in a much-anticipated ceremony. The Gaming Board had until October 2020 to deny or approve a project. Pritzker signed a gambling expansion bill making it possible for a casino to be created in six areas of Illinois. Proposals were also provided by Forest City Casino and Rock River West Casino Group.Įarlier that year, Governor J.B.

The Rockford City Council approved the plan in October 2019, after a presentation by Hard Rock International. The process of licensing the casino has been ongoing for quite some time. Lucas stated further that Hard Rock knows the city of Rockford well and are excited about what lies ahead.

Jon Lucas, the chief operating officer for Hard Rock International, commented that the company is grateful to the state and Gaming Board for support of the project and allowing the process to move closer to fruition. Around 1,000 will be created from construction. It is expected that 1,200 employment positions will be available at the facility. The permanent location will cost $310 million to create. The permanent location is at East State Street, at the former Clock Tower Resort. The permanent location is Giovanni’s on North Bell School Road. It clears the way for investors to arrange the financing process, start construction of the site and order slot machines, etc.

The vote by the Commission, which took place on Thursday, is a strong step in the right direction for Hard Rock. A license has yet to be fully approved for the facility. The property was found suitable for a license, which means construction can start on a temporary location. This week, the Illinois Gaming Commission decided that Hard Rock International could begin construction of its Hard Rock Casino in Rockford. Latest Casino and Gambling News, Casino project updates, Illinois Betting on sports futures, props and lay bets.

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