City of Rockford Releases RFP for Casino Developer/Operator

ROCKFORD, IL—The City of Rockford has set a deadline for the middle of next month for firms interested in being designated as the developer/operator of a casino to respond to its Request for Proposals.

The City of Rockford issued the RFP earlier this month in response to the State Legislature’s approval and Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signing of the “Rebuild Illinois” bill that includes provisions that authorizes the development of six casinos, including in the City of Rockford. By law, all applications for the Rockford gaming license must be filed with the Illinois Gaming Board within 120 days of the bill’s signing.

The bill also authorized casinos in Chicago, Waukegan, the South Suburbs, Williamson County (Walker’s Bluff), and Danville.

The City of Rockford has set a deadline of Aug. 16 to submit responses to the RFP. An evaluation team will submit its recommendations to the city. After a public hearing set for Sept. 23, the Rockford City Council will certify the applications and send them to the Illinois Gaming Board, which will later award the license based on and open and competitive bid process.

The RFP calls for applicants to propose a casino project that: makes a significant and lasting contribution to the city, increasing sustainable economic benefits from tourism and conventions; is a catalyst for additional economic development in the city; maximizes the economic impact of the project by including hotel(s) and additional site development; creates good paying jobs and new employment opportunities for city residents; supports utilization and participation of local and small business suppliers and vendors, including minority, women, persons with a disability, and veterans business enterprises.

The RFP also seeks proposals that will add to and supports existing city entertainment venues; mitigates any adverse impacts of the project on the city and surrounding communities; provides revenue to non-profit entities or foundations in Rockford that provide services, scholarships or grants that benefit Rockford residents and provides additional revenues for the city beyond the admission taxes and fees.

In terms of potential project sites, the city in the RFP did not express any preference, but did state: “The City does not expect to impose any location restrictions on the Project so long as the temporary and permanent locations for the Project will be located wholly within the City. The City does, of course, expect that any proposed locations for the Project will take into account potential impacts on and compatibility with the area surrounding the Project. Because of the 120-day limitation on local vetting outlined in the statute, the Proposers are cautioned to consider zoning and special use issues that may require public hearings and to investigate entitlements on specific parcels under consideration.”

The legislation calls for taxes and fees generated from the casino will be split in the following manner: 70% to the City of Rockford; 20% to Winnebago County; 5% to the City of Loves Park and 5% to the Village of Machesney Park.

The City of Rockford hired two consulting firms to help navigate staff and council through the process. Union Gaming Analytics, LLC, which will provide market analysis and support services related to the expansion of gaming and the upcoming casino request for proposals. They will also assist the city as it evaluates casino proposals and negotiates with applicants.

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP will assist the city in analyzing responses to the RFP and negotiating a host community agreement.