It has been a busy work for Churchill Downs Inc. executives. On Wednesday, the company announced that it had sold the Arlington International Racecourse to the Chicago Bears for $197.2 million. But that was just the beginning. It appears the Churchill Downs-Rush Street group has pulled their application for the Waukegan casino license.
The Illinois Gaming Board shared the news on Thursday. A spokesman for the Churchill Downs-Rush Street group confirmed the news with a statement to the Chicago Sun-Times:
“We thank the City of Waukegan, Illinois Gaming Board, and others who had reviewed our application and appreciated the opportunity to be considered. We wish the city and remaining bidders well.”
No one from the group has given a reason for the withdrawal. The lack of a reason has led to speculation. For example, could a connection exist between the sale and the application getting pulled? However, a spokesman for Rush Street says the timing of the two announcements was purely coincidental. He went on to say that a lot had changed since the group submitted the application two years ago. That suggests that the two companies may be prioritizing other ventures over the Waukegan one.
What’s Next For The Churchill Downs-Rush Street Partnership?
Both companies are remaining busy with other, separate ventures. But there has already been speculation that the joint venture between the two industry giants is not over. However, it is possible that the move occurred to allow the group to focus on something else. Maybe it is looking to make a run at the mega-casino in Chicago. But officials from both companies are not saying anything.
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill authorizing the casino in Chicago in June 2019. But since then, there has been little progress towards turning it into a reality. However, there was a sign of progress (kind of) in August. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot a new deadline for proposals. The deadline shifted from August 23 back to October 29.