Rush Street spokesman Dennis Culloton said it was only a coincidence they withdrew the same day Churchill Downs announced the sale of Arlington.

We wish the city and remaining bidders well.” Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter revealed the Churchill Downs-Rush Street group had pulled out of the running for the Waukegan casino just before a random drawing Thursday to select the order of public presentations for two remaining groups still competing for the license.Ī spokesman for Bluhm’s group told the Chicago Sun-Times: “We thank the City of Waukegan, Illinois Gaming Board, and others who had reviewed our application and appreciated the opportunity to be considered. Construction will begin later this year with expectations to open in early 2023.Īfter announcing on Wednesday morning that it would sell Arlington International Racecourse to the Chicago Bears in a $197.2 agreement, Churchill Downs Inc., that very same afternoon, notified Illinois gambling regulators that it was withdrawing its Waukegan casino license application submitted nearly two years ago as a joint venture with billionaire Rivers chairman Neil Bluhm’s Rush Street Gaming. Following the announcement of the sale of Arlington International Racecourse to the Chicago Bears, the company withdrew its Waukegan casino license application and announced plans to open a casino-style venue in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.