The Illinois Gaming Board has unanimously approved a revised $160 million redevelopment plan for the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria. The approval allows Boyd Gaming to move forward with upgrading the facility and relocating the casino floor to a permanent barge on the Illinois River, marking a significant step for the property’s future.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Gaming Board approved Boyd Gaming’s $160 million plan to redevelop the Par-A-Dice casino.
- The casino floor will be relocated to a permanent barge on the Illinois River.
- The City of Peoria initially objected but dropped its lawsuit after the revised plan was presented.
Revised Plan Approved
Boyd Gaming’s proposal to upgrade the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino received unanimous approval from the Illinois Gaming Board. This revised plan will see the casino’s operations moved to a permanent barge situated on the Illinois River. This decision follows an earlier proposal that would have moved the casino inland to the existing hotel parking lot, a plan that faced objections.
Dispute With Peoria Resolved
The City of Peoria had previously raised concerns regarding an intergovernmental agreement and an update to the Illinois Gaming Act, which stipulated that any land-based casino in the region must be built within Peoria city limits. After the Peoria City Council rejected a settlement, the city filed a lawsuit against Boyd Gaming, East Peoria, and the Illinois Gaming Board to block the original proposal. However, upon the introduction of the revised barge plan, Peoria withdrew its lawsuit.
Despite the withdrawal, a representative for Peoria urged the gaming board to deny the revised request, arguing that a land-based casino within Peoria would better maximize the license’s potential and foster economic development. The city maintained that Boyd Gaming had not seriously considered relocating to Peoria.
East Peoria’s Support
East Peoria Mayor John Kahl expressed his strong support for the gaming board’s decision, applauding Boyd Gaming’s right to choose its location and investment strategies. Kahl highlighted the city’s unwavering support for Boyd Gaming and shared in the excitement of the Par-A-Dice employees for the project’s advancement.
Next Steps
Following deliberations in a closed session, the gaming board granted final approval based on the recommendation of IGB administrator Marcus Fruchter. Boyd Gaming’s ability to commence construction and operate the new facility is still contingent upon meeting further requirements and considerations set forth by the Illinois Gaming Board.
