Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Rivers Casino Des Plaines is a major gaming and entertainment destination located in Des Plaines, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago. Owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming, it opened in July 2011 following a highly competitive state licensing process. The facility features a large gaming floor, several dining venues, and a dedicated sportsbook, positioning itself as a key entertainment hub in the Chicago metropolitan area.

History

The establishment of the casino was the result of a protracted legislative and licensing battle, stemming from the 1999 passage of the Illinois Gambling Act which authorized a tenth casino license for the Chicago region. After years of legal challenges and a voided initial award, the Illinois Gaming Board ultimately granted the license to Midwest Gaming & Entertainment, LLC, an affiliate of Rush Street Gaming founded by Neil Bluhm. Construction began in 2009 on a site adjacent to the Tri-State Tollway, and the property opened to the public on July 18, 2011, becoming the first and only casino in Cook County. Its development was closely watched by regulators and competitors, including the nearby Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.

Gaming and amenities

The casino floor offers over 1,000 slot machines and more than 50 table games, including varieties of blackjack, roulette, and craps. A central feature is the BetRivers Sportsbook, a two-story venue for wagering on professional and collegiate sports, which opened following the 2019 legalization of sports betting in Illinois. Dining options range from upscale experiences at the flagship Hugo's Frog Bar to casual fare at outlets like the Flipt burger restaurant. The property also includes the 50,000-square-foot Rivers Event Center, which hosts concerts, comedy shows, and private functions, and is connected to the The Westin Chicago Northwest hotel.

Economic impact

As a significant employer in the region, the casino created over 1,000 permanent jobs upon opening and generates substantial tax revenue for state and local governments. Its financial contributions are directed to various funds, including those supporting Illinois infrastructure and local municipalities in Cook County. The presence of the casino has also spurred ancillary economic activity in Des Plaines, benefiting nearby hospitality businesses and commercial properties. Annual gaming revenue consistently places it among the top-performing casinos in the state, competing with established venues like Harrah's Joliet Casino and the Argosy Casino Alton.

Legal and regulatory environment

Operations are strictly overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board, which enforces all regulations under the Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act and subsequent amendments. The casino's original license was subject to intense scrutiny and legal appeals from rival bidders, including groups associated with the Village of Rosemont. Compliance with state laws, including the Illinois Gambling Act and the later Sports Wagering Act, is mandatory. The facility has navigated regulatory challenges such as temporary closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and adheres to strict protocols for responsible gambling as mandated by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Community involvement

Through the Rush Street Gaming corporate foundation and local initiatives, the casino engages in extensive community partnerships and charitable giving. Programs often focus on supporting first responders, local schools, and nonprofit organizations in Des Plaines and surrounding Cook County communities. The property has sponsored events for the Des Plaines Park District and contributed to food drives for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. These efforts are part of a broader corporate citizenship strategy aimed at integrating the facility as a positive stakeholder within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Category:Casinos in Illinois Category:Buildings and structures in Cook County, Illinois Category:Rush Street Gaming Category:2011 establishments in Illinois