The Illinois Gaming Board recently approved the construction of a temporary Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, to operate for two years while the $311 million permanent casino is built. A 37,790-square-foot former restaurant and banquet hall will undergo an $8.8 million renovation to serve as the temporary casino with 736 slot machines and two restaurants.
Mayor Tom McNamara said, “This is a huge accomplishment for our community, and it will bring hundreds of construction jobs to Rockford.” McNamara noted the Rockford casino will be the first of six new casino locations approved by the legislature in 2019 to begin construction.
Before the temporary casino can open, the gaming board must give permission for owner 815 Entertainment LLC to operate; the casino’s security and surveillance plans also must be approved. Also, the permanent casino must pass several regulatory steps before construction can begin.
