Peoria and East Peoria Clash Over Illinois Casino’s Future

Peoria, Illinois, is taking steps toward potentially securing the relocation of Par-a-Dice Casino from its long-time riverboat setting on Peoria Lake to a modern, land-based facility within the city’s limits. The casino’s operator, Boyd Gaming, is under pressure to develop a new, state-of-the-art gaming facility following a decision by the Illinois Gaming Board in March, which extended Boyd’s Illinois casino license for four more years. This extension came with a mandate: Boyd must submit a plan for a new gaming facility in the state within two years.

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Boyd Gaming's Intentions

The timing of this mandate aligns with Boyd Gaming’s earlier intentions to expand within Illinois, but a heated dispute between Peoria and East Peoria complicates the situation. East Peoria, where Par-a-Dice Casino is currently located, is eager to retain the casino on its shores of Peoria Lake. However, Peoria has been aggressively positioning itself as the ideal location for the relocation, hoping to reap the economic and development benefits that would come with hosting such a prominent attraction.

To navigate the complexities of this dispute, Peoria city officials have taken proactive measures to ensure they are well-prepared for negotiations with both East Peoria and Boyd Gaming. The city is considering a partnership with Innovation Capital LLC, an investment firm, and attorney John Elias, an expert in negotiation, to handle the intricacies of the casino relocation process. The city council is expected to vote on these proposed agreements on December 10, with the potential to hire both parties for a six-month contract to assist with the process.

Kimberly Richardson, Peoria’s Assistant City Manager, noted the importance of securing expert guidance for this undertaking. She explained that the city is focused on understanding the financial feasibility of bringing a new casino to Peoria, as well as ensuring legal compliance with Illinois Gaming Board regulations. “We are looking at a feasibility study, so we want to bring in a financial advisor to assist us with understanding what the investment will look like,” she said.

At the heart of the dispute between Peoria and East Peoria is a 1991 agreement, which stipulated that Peoria would host a temporary riverboat casino for two years before relocating to a land-based facility in East Peoria. While both cities are eager to claim the casino as their own, Boyd Gaming has yet to officially commit to a location. As of now, Peoria is preparing for the possibility of hosting the casino, but no official announcement has been made about the casino’s future site.

The uncertainty surrounding the relocation comes as other developments in Illinois’ gaming landscape continue to unfold. Hard Rock Casino in Rockford recently opened its permanent facility in August, and Bally’s Chicago has plans to open a new casino in the city by 2026. Illinois now boasts 16 casinos, with growing competition and changing dynamics.

Furthermore, while Illinois has not yet legalized online casinos, Boyd Gaming’s ownership of the Stardust Online Casino brand could present opportunities for expansion into the iGaming sector if the state changes its stance on online gambling.

 

We are doing our due diligence and making sure that we are prepared and ready for when that plan is announced and released.

 

The future and what to expect

This potential synergy between land-based and online gaming could drive increased revenue for Boyd Gaming and help elevate its brand presence across the state.

As Peoria prepares for potential negotiations and a shifting gaming landscape, the resolution of the Par-a-Dice relocation issue will play a key role in shaping the future of gaming in the region. The outcome will not only impact the local economy but also set the stage for how Illinois continues to navigate its growing casino industry.