After deciding that the state needed more gambling options, Illinois selected a few locations as being ideal for a new casino. Chicago was one, but it needs to figure out a few logistics issues first. 
Danville was another and it has been more than anxious to move forward. Earlier this month, the city announced that it was ready to determine who would be given a license and the expectation was that the winner would be announced last week. However, city officials have put the brakes on making a decision and may not be ready to make their selection until sometime in October.
In speaking with Danville’s Commercial-News, Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. explained that additional time was needed to allow the applicants a chance to respond to a request for more details. He states, “We are still awaiting a few final financial documents as well as negotiating community benefits with both applicants. We’re doing all we can to get the very best deal for the city.”
Now, the City Council will discussion the proposals once again on October 1. It’s possible that a decision could be reached at that time, but there is just as likely the possibility that the amount of material to be covered in the meeting won’t allow for a proper selection to be made.
Illinois approved gambling expansion this past June, in part to be able to introduce sports gambling. Williams has been proactively trying to push the selection process along as quickly as possible in order to capitalize on the possible revenue generation, while, at the same time, ensuring that the entity chosen is the right fit. He explains that it now comes down to ensure the proper operator is chosen, not just about the revenue, and has previously stated, “We are in the process right now of doing due diligence in regards to the financial and regulatory capacity of the two finalists. Again, both of them are strong – just in different ways.”
Once the applicant is chosen, a gaming license has to be requested by the state. According to Danville’s plan, that license application has to be submitted by October 28 or the company could lose its opportunity in the city. The identities of the two companies are still being kept under wraps.
