After undergoing two days of testing by gaming regulators, the Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino passed with flying colors and will be swinging open its doors to the Illinois public this week.
Commitment to Community
After two days of scrutiny by the Illinois Gaming Board last week, the Wind Creek Chicago Casino has been given approval to open for business on November 11th at 11:00 AM, which will complete the first phase of the project. The second phase is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.
The 75,000-square-foot property, located at 17300 South Halsted Street, will feature 1,400 slot machines, 56 table games, a state-of-the-art sportsbook, and high-limit playing areas. It is expected that 1000 full-time jobs will be created by the area’s newest gaming operation.
“From the start, our mission has been to create jobs, spur economic growth, and offer the ultimate entertainment escape,” said Roger Kuehn, EVP and General Manager, Wind Creek Chicago Southland. “We’re thrilled to welcome our guests on Nov. 11th to experience the excitement firsthand.”
Wind Creek Hospitality, an authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, operates the tribe’s gaming operations and racetracks in Alabama, Illinois, and Florida.
“The opening of Wind Creek Chicago Southland underscores our dedication to making a positive economic impact in the communities we serve,” said Jay Dorris, President and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality. “We’re committed to create opportunities that support the region, offer competitive benefits for Team Members, and further strengthen the vibrant Southland community.”
“Wind Creek Chicago Southland is more than a casino; it’s a community-driven destination,” Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan said.
“The Tribe and Wind Creek will continue to prioritize the Villages of Homewood and East Hazel Crest as we are committed to uplifting our neighbors,” Bryan added.
More to Come
The first phase of the project is complete, and it boasts one of only two digital sculptures in the nation, according to Cathye Amos, Wind Creek Hospitality’s executive director of marketing. “You’re not going to see anything like this,” Amos said. “We are more than a casino; we are an experience.”
It is also opening approximately six months beyond its initial scheduled timeline and is quite a bit over budget. Initially, the estimate was $529 million for land acquisition, licensing fees, and construction. However, after over two years of building the first phase, the budget has soared to $579 million for construction alone.
Phase two of the project is a 16-story, 252-room hotel boasting a spa and steakhouse on the top floor of the building. Elegance and sophistication are the operative words when describing the resort. It is being marketed as a must-see destination commonly seen in big cities like Chicago.
“It all ties in together—cool, edgy, sophisticated—you know, it’s just Chicago,” said the general manager, Roger Kuehn. “We wanted to bring that quality here. We’re a lot closer than downtown. So, I think we’ll do really well. I think the locals will receive this well.”
Calculators
