Companies eye Chicago area

Friday, July 19, 2002 | 11:08 a.m.

CHICAGO -- Some Chicago area communities are getting ready to gamble for a casino license and the promise of millions of dollars in revenue and taxes that goes along with it.

A handful of the nation's biggest casino companies, local officials, developers and middlemen are combing the landscape for possibilities that might win over state regulators.

The license could be up for grabs because the Illinois Gaming Board wants to end its fight over a proposed casino in Rosemont with a settlement from Emerald Casino Inc. that would free up the state's 10th casino license.

However the board delayed a final vote Tuesday on the proposed settlement. Board members wanted more time to study the final language.

"Everyone is trying to feel out where they want to end up," said developer Alan Ludwig of S-L Waukegan Inc. "It's like getting into condition before the season."

He said Wednesday that his firm has talked with Las Vegas-based companies including MGM MIRAGE, Park Place Entertainment Corp., Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Mandalay Resort Group and Boyd Gaming Corp.

"We've been talking to all of them," he said. "They're all very interested in Waukegan."

In Calumet City, officials met Wednesday with the executive director of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.

The group includes 28 municipalities supporting Calumet City's bid for a casino in exchange for a share of the revenue.

Officials from the city of Des Plaines also have signaled a willingness to get into the license derby.