Churchill Downs Incorporated has filed expansion plans that would allow Rivers Casino Des Plaines to add approximately 725 gaming positions, making it the first to have the state’s maximum number of 2,000 positions.

The proposed $87m 78,000 square-foot two-story addition for the property, which is jointly owned by Rush Street Gaming, would house a poker room, additional gaming areas, ballroom for events, and restaurant.

“Rivers is Illinois’ most popular casino destination, and with this expansion we are continuing to focus on our guests to earn their loyalty,” said Corey Wise, senior vice president and general manager of Rivers Casino. 

“We were the first casino to become land-based to expand our gaming floor. BetRivers was the state’s first sportsbook to open and we provided fans with the state’s first mobile sports betting option. When complete, we will be the first casino in Illinois to offer our guests 2,000 gaming positions.”

Initially, the expansion plan calls for the addition of 260 table game positions, a 70 per cent increase, and 439 slot game positions, representing a 48 per cent increase. 

Under the current plan, the facility will have 26 additional gaming positions to allocate in the future, and Rivers would pay the state of Illinois $24m in licensing fees in June 2021.

The plan is subject to regulatory approval from the Illinois Gaming Board, with the city of Des Plaines also having to approve the addition. If given the green-light, construction is expected to begin this spring and be completed by 2022.

“With this proposed expansion, we will be able to offer our guests more of the entertainment and dining options they enjoy, additional gaming opportunities and a long-desired poker room,” added Greg Carlin, CEO & co-founder of Rush Street Gaming

“We have always offered a first-class experience for our guests. As the economy re-opens, we’re excited to raise the bar and provide them with an even better experience.”