Ill. regulators threaten casino development

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000 | 11:13 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO -- Illinois gambling regulators threatened Tuesday to stop construction on a Rosemont casino, citing concerns that developers don't have necessary approval for the project.

The suburban Chicago development is the target of a lawsuit filed against the Illinois Gaming Board by Lake County developers who want a chance to build their own casino. They contend state lawmakers violated the constitution last spring by changing the law to make sure operators of a defunct East Dubuque riverboat could move their dormant gambling license to Rosemont.

The lawsuit is mired in a game of legal ping-pong over whether it should be heard in Cook or Lake counties, and the legal action has kept the Gaming Board from approving the renewal and relocation of the license as called for in the law.

Emerald Casino Inc., the Rosemont project developers, have moved forward with construction for the floating gambling barge, a hotel and parking facilities while fighting the legal battle.

But regulators called Emerald officials in front of the board Tuesday to question whether they have done more work than allowed without board approval.

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