Chicagoland is one of the country’s biggest casino gaming hubs, and it’s about to get even bigger.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino could open as soon as Fall 2024, bringing yet another Chicago-area casino to Illinois players. Here’s what we know about Wind Creek Southland so far.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland at a glance
- Owned by: Parch Band of Creek Indians
- Address: 17300 S. Halsted St., East Hazel Crest, IL 60429
- Size: 70,000 square feet
- Slot machines: 1,350
- Table games: 56
- Luxury hotel rooms: 252
- Estimated jobs created: 800
- Distance from Chicago: ~20 miles
Construction has begun, but when will Wind Creek Southland open?
Construction began in earnest in June 2022. In October 2023, Wind Creek Hospitality secured a loan to fund further construction of its new property. Construction continues to this day, and initial estimates that the casino could open in 2023 were way off.
Since construction kicked off, Wind Creek’s opening date has been the subject of much speculation. Last July, Wind Creek announced a delay into 2025. Roger Kuehn, Wind Creek Chicago Southland’s executive vice president and general manager, cited bad weather during initial outdoor construction as the primary reason for the delay, alongside redevelopment agreements with towns bordering the site.
Delays are common in such projects. This one has cost an estimated $529 million, and there are countless moving parts, including Illinois Gaming Board approvals, community impact, and more. Anyone who lives in or near Chicago knows how volatile the weather can be: snowing one day, shorts-and-sunglasses weather the next. Just like the weather, Wind Creek changed its tune last November, slashing the initial delay significantly. The latest estimates say Wind Creek could open its doors in July.
Notably, the hotel won’t open at the same time as the casino. The casino floor is the priority, while the hotel’s launch is slated for five-ish months after the initial gaming floor opens.
Key partnerships for Wind Creek casino
Wind Creek struck two major partnerships in the past year. First, it teamed up with the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. Wind Creek became an “official partner” of the Chicago Bulls, putting its brand into Bulls game-day promotions and entertainment.
Wind Creek Southland also secured a high-profile dining partnership with former Top Chef contestant Fabio Vivani. Vivani competed twice in Bravo’s popular cooking competition, and his LLC operates more than 50 US hospitality businesses, including five properties in and around Chicago.
