Homewood Vs. Matteson In Location For South Suburban Casino

HOMEWOOD, IL — Homewood was named a finalist in the race to host Illinois' next big casino location. The Illinois Gaming Board will now decide between the village and Matteson for the spot.

If chosen, the casino will be owned and operated by Wind Creek IL LLC, and be built on Halsted and I-80/294. If Matteson is chosen, it will be built by Choctaw Nation at the old Lincoln Mall, located at 208 Lincoln Mall Drive.

Calumet City and Lynwood are no longer being considered for the new suburban casino location.

Wind Creek Hospitality President and CEO Jay Dorris issued a statement regarding the news Wednesday.

"Wind Creek Illinois is excited to have been selected by the Illinois Gaming Board to advance to the next stage of negotiations for the south suburban casino license.

"Wind Creek’s proposed casino and development in East Hazel Crest and Homewood is projected to draw more revenue than its competitor and would create around 800 full-time equivalent jobs in the Southland, in addition to creating a public benefit fund to provide grants for education and healthcare to benefit the region. This development promises to be the best in and for the entire Southland region—with job creation, economic and community investment, sustained operational excellence, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in all phases of construction and operation.

"We look forward to continued negotiations with the Illinois Gaming Board over the coming months."

Related: Homewood Endorses Daly Group LLC For Proposed Casino Development