- Boyd Gaming has introduced the Illinois Gaming Board with a brand new plan for Par-A-Cube
- The on line casino has ditched the “modernized riverboat” idea in favor of a extra conventional riverboat
- The Metropolis of Peoria had challenged whether or not the preliminary plan constituted riverboat playing
Boyd Gaming has reworked its proposed redevelopment of the Par-A-Cube Lodge On line casino in East Peoria.
Boyd Gaming is now proposing a brand new overhaul of its Par-A-Cube Lodge On line casino in East Peoria, IL. The Illinois Gaming Board will vote on the riverboat gaming mission within the coming weeks. (Picture: Boyd Gaming/Illinois Gaming Board)
Through the Illinois Gaming Board’s assembly on Thursday, Boyd officers introduced the state with a brand new plan for its overhaul of Par-A-Cube. To fulfill issues about whether or not its beforehand introduced $160 million “modernized riverboat,” which entailed a brick-and-mortar on line casino construction above a small, 100-gallon water basin, Boyd is now proposing a extra conventional riverboat.
Describing the funding as a pavilion extension with a “completely moored barge,” Uri Clinton, Boyd Gaming’s government vp and common counsel, says the up to date growth renders the Metropolis of Peoria’s challenges out of date.
We now not must debate. We now not must ask you to be inventive. We now not must ask you that that is the present trade commonplace. This might be a best-in-class, completely moored barge, in step with statutory necessities to conduct gaming,” Clinton stated.
The IGB was to vote on whether or not to approve Boyd’s earlier proposal. Shocked by the brand new plan, the state gaming regulators, following a closed session, stated they’d schedule a particular assembly inside three weeks to make a closing dedication.
Peoria Huge Loser
Since 1991, Peoria and East Peoria have maintained an intercity governmental settlement stipulating {that a} riverboat would at all times function in East Peoria, however any land-based on line casino would function in Peoria. Boyd Gaming’s preliminary plan, some Peoria councilors and elected officers stated, didn’t fulfill the water situations within the Illinois Riverboat Playing Act.
Whereas the 2 cities share the 5% native gaming tax generated by Par-A-Cube, solely the host metropolis advantages from its property, resort occupancy, meals and beverage, and amusement taxes. To appease Peoria’s challenges of whether or not a on line casino above a water basin constitutes riverboat playing, Boyd provided to ship Peoria 2.25% of all nongaming income it generates on the modernized Par-A-Cube.
On Monday, the Peoria Metropolis Council voted 5-5 on the proposal. With no majority, the settlement was rejected. Councilors who voted in opposition to the scheme thought they may get a greater deal from Boyd.
As an alternative, Boyd is transferring ahead with a standard riverboat. Peoria, ought to the IGB approve of the redevelopment, will miss out on that 2.25% olive department, which was anticipated to tally about $1.8 million a yr.
“Disappointment. Disappointment with the place we’re in proper now as a result of I feel there was a missed alternative,” Peoria Mayor Rita Ali, one of many 5 “sure” votes on the Boyd supply, informed the Peoria Journal Star. “I don’t say that to rub that in as a result of I don’t give a darn about being proper. My objective Monday evening in voting sure was to attempt to get as a lot of a win as I believed we may for the individuals of Peoria to construct up the town.”
On line casino Particulars
Boyd Gaming’s Thursday presentation features a barged construction with a on line casino ground measuring 40,000 sq. ft. A steakhouse, gastropub, and fast service restaurant are among the many facilities.
No price ticket was given for the moored growth.
(Picture: Boyd Gaming/Illinois Gaming Board)
