500 Des Plaines residents will be first to see casino

The Rivers Casino will allow 500 Des Plaines residents a sneak preview of the casino on Friday, July 15 — ahead of an invitation-only VIP party on July 17 and the casino’s grand opening on July 18, pending approval by the Illinois Gaming Board.

Residents must register online at playrivers.com/desplaines to win entry.

The first 500 residents 21 years or older to register for a Rush Rewards players card before July 4 will be invited to the pre-opening event, which will run from 5 to 9 p.m., and they can each bring a guest. Gambling will be allowed and guests can sample menu items from the casino’s restaurants. A donation will be made to two area charities — The Self Help Closet and Food Pantry of Des Plaines, and AMVETS.

The 100 VIP attendees for the July 17 party also will be selected by a drawing. Lottery winners will be given the red-carpet treatment with food, entertainment, and celebrity guests, including Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts band. The deadline to sign up is July 4.

All party dates are subject to change pending regulatory approval.