City officials in Peoria, Illinois, are stepping up efforts to attract Boyd Gaming Corp. for a potential land-based casino on their side of the Illinois River. If successful, the project would mark a major transition from Boyd’s Par-A-Dice riverboat casino in neighboring East Peoria. Discussions are ongoing, with both sides weighing options and exploring possibilities.
Potential Locations and Strategic Advantage
Peoria officials are focusing on areas near interstate highways to align with Boyd Gaming’s preference for high-visibility sites. Mayor Rita Ali emphasized the importance of such locations, noting their appeal to travelers and passersby. While the exact sites under consideration remain undisclosed, the city’s approach reflects a deliberate effort to meet Boyd’s logistical and operational needs.
“Casinos usually like locations that are near an expressway or highway. They like that visibility for people who might be passing through,” Ali told the Peoria Journal Star.
This strategic advantage, coupled with Peoria’s infrastructure, gives the city a competitive edge in its bid to host the new casino.
The Agreement Driving the Push
A key factor behind Peoria’s determination lies in a 1991 agreement between Peoria and East Peoria. The deal stipulates that any new land-based casino in the region must be built on Peoria’s side of the river. Mayor Ali has been vocal about enforcing this agreement, though she acknowledged uncertainties regarding Boyd Gaming’s plans.
“I do feel strongly that we should enforce that agreement,” Ali said.
While the agreement strengthens Peoria’s position, it also underscores the delicate balance required to maintain constructive discussions with Boyd Gaming.
Professional Support and Financial Commitments
To enhance its appeal, Peoria has hired attorney John Elias and investment firm Innovation Capital to assist with crafting a comprehensive strategy. The city council approved the move in December, reflecting the project’s priority status.
- Attorney Fees: John Elias charges $395 per hour.
- Investment Firm: Innovation Capital receives a minimum of $10,000 monthly.
City Manager Patrick Urich described the contributions of the legal and investment team as crucial, adding that their expertise has been instrumental in shaping Peoria’s approach.
“The conversations with Boyd Gaming have been very professional,” Urich said, highlighting the mutual openness between the city and the gaming corporation.
Optimism and Long-Term Vision
Peoria City Councilmember Chuck Grayeb, who is also a mayoral candidate, expressed optimism about the project, underscoring the city’s potential. He cited Peoria’s interstate highway connections as a key selling point and reiterated the city’s commitment to making a compelling case for Boyd Gaming.
“We want to make it a great place, show them some of the locations where we think it would work well relative to our interstate highway links,” Grayeb said.
While no definitive timeline for a decision has been announced, discussions with Boyd Gaming began last summer and have involved multiple meetings.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Boyd Gaming has yet to commit to a specific plan, and the city must navigate financial and logistical considerations to finalize a proposal. However, the city’s proactive approach and strategic vision suggest a strong determination to bring the project to fruition.
City officials have expressed a desire to find a mutually beneficial solution. “The goal is to find something that is amenable to everyone,” said Urich.
Peoria’s efforts to woo Boyd Gaming represent a broader ambition to boost local economic development and enhance the city’s appeal as a destination for entertainment and tourism. The stakes are high, but officials remain hopeful that their preparations and persistence will yield results.
