written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
18 Oct 2023
Journalist, Editorial Department
Construction of the Wind Creek Chicago Southland hotel and casino, located 20 miles south of Chicago, will resume after an 18-month hiatus. The project has secured $290 million in financing (over 28 billion rubles) through a loan from PCI Gaming Authority, a division of Wind Creek Hospitality. Both entities are owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, making the loan an internal one.
The facility is slated to open in January 2025, featuring a gaming area of 68,000 square feet that will house 1,350 slot machines and 56 table games. The complex will also include a hotel with 252 rooms, restaurants, and an event center spanning nearly 75,000 square feet. Additional amenities will comprise a spa, a parking garage, and an indoor pool. The total project cost is estimated at $529 million (51.5 billion rubles), up from the initial projection of $440 million (42.8 billion rubles).
Jay Dorris, President and CEO of PCI Gaming Authority, stated, "The new facility will be more than just a casino. Wind Creek Hospitality […] will build a community in the southern suburbs of [Chicago] through job creation, investment, and sustainable operational excellence."
During the construction phase, approximately 600 jobs will be created, with the facility expected to provide permanent employment for around 800 individuals once it opens.
In its first year of operation, Wind Creek Chicago Southland is projected to generate annual revenue of $155 million (about 15 billion rubles), with that figure potentially rising to $200 million (nearly 19.5 billion rubles) within six years.
Wind Creek is also actively working to gain support from the local community. For instance, the Southland Community Fund has been established to provide annual scholarships for students. At the end of last year, Wind Creek Chicago Southland announced a partnership with the NBA's Chicago Bulls.
Notably, the CEO of MGM Resorts International has expressed optimism regarding the opening of a casino in Dubai.
