Business

Rockford casino gets preliminary OK as regulators probe key investor from Naperville

Posted February 04, 2021 12:00 am

Chicago Sun-Times

Illinois gambling regulators gave an initial green light to what could become the state's 11th casino Thursday, handing down preliminary approval for a proposed Hard Rock resort in Rockford.

It's still no sure bet the developers will get the coveted casino license, though, as the Illinois Gaming Board is still investigating one of the project's key investors over his video gambling empire.

The board's unanimous vote finding "preliminary suitability" allows the group headed by Naperville entrepreneur Dan Fischer to begin laying the groundwork for the long-sought project.

But gaming board Administrator Marcus Fruchter emphasized "it is not the ultimate step, in that it is not final licensure, nor is it a guarantee of final licensure" for Fischer's group.

Fischer also runs the chain of Dotty's video gambling lounges through his Illinois Cafe & Service Co., which gaming board investigators have been probing over a deal to buy another chain of gambling lounges in 2018.

• For the full report, visit chicago.suntimes.com.

Dan Fischer

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