The Peoria City Council has officially taken steps to pursue the relocation of the Par-A-Dice Casino from East Peoria to its side of the Illinois River. On Tuesday night, the council unanimously approved hiring a legal expert and an investment firm to lead the negotiations, escalating the rivalry between Peoria and East Peoria over the future of the casino.
The council’s decision marks the first public move in the long-standing debate between the two cities about where a land-based casino should ultimately be located. Peoria Mayor Rita Ali has pointed to a 1991 agreement between the municipalities, which stipulates that any land-based casino should operate in Peoria, not East Peoria.
Peoria City Attorney Patrick Hayes reaffirmed the city’s position, describing the agreement as “straightforward” in mandating that a land-based casino belongs on Peoria’s side of the river. The city council’s resolution demonstrates its full support for Mayor Ali’s efforts to bring the casino to Peoria.
Partnering with Experts
To bolster its case, Peoria has enlisted Innovation Capital LLC, a prominent investment firm, and attorney John Elias, who specializes in gaming-related negotiations. The city intends to show Boyd Gaming, the operator of Par-A-Dice Casino, that it is serious about hosting a new land-based facility.
Under the agreement, Innovation Capital will receive a monthly retainer of $10,000, with additional fees if their hours exceed this base rate, according to the Peoria Journal Star. Should Peoria secure a development agreement with Boyd Gaming, the firm would earn an extra $250,000. Elias will be compensated at $395 per hour for his services.
The initial contract with Innovation Capital spans six months, but city officials acknowledge the negotiations could take longer, potentially requiring an extension. City Councilman Tim Riggenbach praised Mayor Ali for her leadership, emphasizing the importance of this effort for Peoria’s future economic development.
A Strained Rivalry
The tension between Peoria and East Peoria over the casino’s location has been building for months. Earlier this year, Boyd Gaming hinted at plans to transition Par-A-Dice Casino from its riverboat setting to a modern, landlocked facility, sparking renewed interest from both cities.
Peoria’s push for the casino to move has led to friction with East Peoria Mayor John Kahl, who accused Peoria of straining the relationship between the two cities. Emails exchanged between the mayors revealed disagreements over the interpretation of the 1991 agreement.
Despite the contention, Assistant City Manager Kimberly Richardson stated that Boyd Gaming has not yet specified a location for the casino’s relocation. She emphasized that Peoria is preparing for all possibilities by conducting feasibility studies and ensuring compliance with Illinois Gaming Board regulations.
The Economic Stakes
Relocating Par-A-Dice Casino could be a significant economic boost for the city that hosts it. For Peoria, the potential development aligns with the Illinois Gaming Board’s requirement that Boyd Gaming present plans for a state-of-the-art facility within the next two years.
Peoria’s proactive approach reflects its determination to secure this opportunity. Richardson noted, “We’re doing our due diligence and making sure that we are prepared and ready for when that plan is announced and released.”
