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Waukegan casino license delayed as spurned tribe complains of 'rigged process'

The lengthy process to select the developer of a new casino in Waukegan just got longer.

State regulators were expected to name a winner in the two-years-and-counting race for the coveted North suburban gambling license Thursday, but the Illinois Gaming Board deferred action due to an ongoing legal battle waged by a spurned operator that claims Waukegan officials "rigged" their selection process to favor a bid backed by a former state senator.

The Forest County Potawatomi Community sued the city in 2019, shortly after the Wisconsin tribe was eliminated from consideration.

Waukegan advanced three proposals, including the two remaining finalists being weighed by the gaming board: Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts, and North Point Casino, which is led by former Grayslake state Sen. Michael Bond, who also runs a slot machine business.

The third group, a joint venture between billionaire casino mogul Neil Bluhm and Churchill Downs Inc., withdrew from consideration earlier this fall.

• For related coverage, visit chicago.suntimes.com.

This is an artist's rendering of the proposed American Place casino in Waukegan. courtesy of Full House Resorts
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