However, Rosemont faces competition from near and far, as four other groups have staked out locations in southwest suburban Country Club Hills and Summit, neighboring Des Plaines and far north suburban Waukegan.

The field of bidders is expected to be whittled to three by the Illinois Gaming Board Feb. 23. The finalist is expected to be named in March. The winning bid must be confirmed by the US Bankruptcy Court, which the gaming board hopes will happen in April.

Wynn Resorts Limited and long-time Chicago developer Neil Bluhm's Midwest Gaming and Entertainment LLC is bidding for a Des Plaines site near the border of Rosemont on River Road.

Although the price of the state's 10th license has been estimated as high as $1 billion, the final number is expected to depend heavily on the location of the winning bidders' site. While proponents of a Rosemont site argue the license would have its highest value in the shadow of the world's busiest airport, Waukegan city officials point to a location near the state line, where there is minimal competition from casinos. On the other hand, a southwest suburban casino would compete with two in Joliet as well as across the state line in East Chicago, IN and Hammond, IN.

Harrah's Entertainment is looking to add a casino in Waukegan, and are joined by S-L Partners, which includes another long-time Chicago developer, Richard Stein.

Another notable developer, New York City's Donald Trump, is involved in Southland Development Group's bid with Merit Management Group LLC and Gatling Community Development Inc. in a bid for a Country Club Hills casino. In addition to owning a northwest Indiana casino, Trump also is involved in building a condominium, offices and hotel on the Chicago Sun-Times site.

Also, Hyatt Development Corp. and Mandalay Resort Group are the bidders for a site in Summit.

Instant Insights /

Field of Casino Bidders Cluster Near Airport

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