Impact of Joliet casino fire still unknown

JOLIET -- Little damage was done to the gambling barge itself, but authorities say they're uncertain how much local financial impact will result from the massive fire at the Empress Casino in Joliet.

The fire started about 10 a.m. Friday in an area of the casino undergoing a $50 million renovation.

The Egyptian-themed casino is closed and doesn't have a reopening date. But general manager Frank Quigley says in a recorded hotline message the casino will reopen "as soon as possible." Quigley promises employees to have information on pay and benefits soon.

The Empress employs more than 800 workers. It's the second largest single taxpayer to the city of Joliet. In February alone, the Empress paid $837,000 in casino taxes to Joliet and more than $1.8 million to the state.