Casino News

Green casino bound for Illinois?

2010-02-19 12:42:48

A planned casino may be the first sustainable structure of its kind in Illinois.

Under legislation of the state's zoning district for gambling establishments, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is required, meaning buildings will need to comply with green targets, the Daily Herald reports.

However, project manager for the proposed venue, which is set to be located in Des Moines, Michael Levin said that enforcing environmentally-friendly restrictions like this could stall construction.

"It cannot be a zoning ordinance requirement. We won't get financing for this project," he remarked, but added that he and his organisation - Development Management Associates - will make every effort to comply.

The estimated cost of erecting the casino is $450 million, with 66 per cent of this expected to come from bank loans.

Midwest Gaming & Entertainment, the developers of the gaming room, were recently given approval for the initiative by the state's gambling regulators, the Daily Herald reported.