Midwest Riverboat Gaming
Open listings density & volume vs market size
Properties per market — more options, more movement
Median wages vs national gaming average ($55k)
Expansion activity, new licenses, capital investment
Affordability (10 = most affordable)
Chicago's gaming market is entering a historic expansion phase. A full-scale casino in the city of Chicago is approved and in development, while the existing Joliet riverboat cluster (Harrah's, Hollywood Casino Aurora) provides an established base. When the Chicago casino opens, it will be among the largest in the Midwest — creating 3,000+ new positions.
Chicago is a genuine major city with corresponding housing costs — expensive compared to Midwest peers. The Joliet properties are 30–45 minutes southwest via I-55, where housing is far more affordable. Strong union environment; UNITE HERE Local 1 covers many hospitality workers.
Chicago's new casino is projected to generate $800M+ in annual gaming revenue and 3,000 permanent jobs.
License: Illinois Gaming Board license required. The IGB has modernized its occupational licensing process — most standard-level approvals in 30–45 days.
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