Developers stop casino construction

Wednesday, March 1, 2000 | 11:15 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO -- Developers of a proposed floating casino in suburban Rosemont said they suspended construction because of gambling regulators' concerns that the project has yet to be approved.

The announcement by Emerald Casino Inc. last week came three days after the Illinois Gaming Board demanded an explanation from Emerald officials and threatened to shut down the project for proceeding without proper Gaming Board approval.

Changes in state gambling law last year essentially required the Gaming Board to allow operators of a defunct East Dubuque riverboat to move their dormant gambling license to Rosemont. But Lake County developers who want a chance to build their own casino are suing to overturn the amendments, and that has kept regulators from approving the renewal and relocation of the license.

Emerald moved forward with construction for the floating gambling barge, a hotel and parking facilities last fall in the hopes of getting approval and opening the facility in the summer of 2000. Emerald officials told the board they have spent between $5 million and $10 million so far on construction, a small portion of the total project cost.