BLAGOJEVICH CALLS FOR FULL PUBLIC REVIEW OF CONCERNS SURROUNDING THE 10TH CASINO LICENSE LOCATION

CHICAGO - Governor Rod Blagojevich today called on the Gaming Board to conduct a full, open and public review of all of the facts, problems and concerns surrounding gaming in the Village of Rosemont, including the problems associated with Emerald Casino, the previous owner of the 10^th license.  The Governor also said he will appoint a special investigator to work with the Gaming Board to assist with the review and help oversee the process. 

 

The Gaming Board is currently required to conduct a suitability analysis of any casino operator in Illinois.  However, Blagojevich believes the review should not be limited solely to the bid submitted by the Isle of Capri Corporation, and, as a result, is calling for a heightened investigation to address all of the questions and concerns that have surrounded gaming in Rosemont since the initial decision was made to award the license to Emerald. 

 

"Before the 10^th license can be up and running, we need to make sure that every legitimate concern surrounding the license is fully reviewed, considered, and publicly addressed and aired.  All of the questions surrounding the location of a casino in Rosemont is undermining the public's confidence in the process.  In the past, there were clear problems surrounding the location of the 10^th license in Rosemont.  By conducting a full and open review, we can discover whether those problems still exist.  Once that process is completed, the 10^th license can move forward with the confidence of the people of Illinois," Blagojevich said.

 

The heightened review would examine all issues surrounding the Isle of Capri's negotiations with the Village of Rosemont, including whether any of the concerns that caused the Gaming Board to take revocation actions against Emerald Casino Inc. are still present in any way.

 

Blagojevich's special investigator would be directed to assist the Gaming Board into looking into prior allegations of wrongdoing, and determine whether those concerns still exist.   Blagojevich said that appointing an independent special investigator will help ensure the integrity of the suitability analysis, and offer the Gaming Board additional resources and expertise.  The suitability analysis must begin after the Bankruptcy Court clears the sale of Emerald Casino's assets to the Isle of Capri.

 

"The special investigator will be available to make sure the Gaming Board has all of the resources they need to conduct their review, and to provide assistance, advice, and guidance.  Only when the process is completed and the findings are fully and publicly vetted can the location and operation of 10^th license proceed in a way that has the public's confidence," Blagojevich said.