The company that former Mayor Lori Lightfoot picked to own and operate the planned Chicago casino had financial ties to a consultant City Hall hired to solicit and evaluate bidders.
ROCKFORD Hard Rock Casino Rockford presented its case on Wednesday for the Illinois Gaming Board to preliminarily find its company and $310 million casino proposal suitable for a license.
Now the city of Rockford and 815 Entertainment LLC the company that unites local and regional investors with Hard Rock International await the Gaming Board s decision, expected Feb. 4.
A finding that the proposal or the company are unsuitable could derail Hard Rock s bid to open a casino here.
Chief investor Dan Fischer, owner of Dotty s Gambling Cafe chain, said the company was proud and humbled to have been chosen by Rockford over two other proposed casino projects that sought the city s sole license. Fischer said working with Hard Rock International gave his company a clear advantage and access to a wealth of experience.