Politics & Government

Libertyville Resident Pitches Casino Plan

Tom Rielly, a 20-year resident of Libertyville, discussed a vague plan for locating a casino facility in Libertyville in 2012.

 A Libertyville resident surprised village trustees Tuesday during the public comments section when he pitched a vague plan for a casino in Libertyville.

Tom Rielly, a self-described venture capitalist with 30 years of experience, told the Village Board that casinos help boost economic development, jobs and tourism.

“I would like to pursue a license of having a casino facility in Libertyville,” Rielly said. “There’s going to be a rapid expansion of casinos in the state of Illinois, so I expect to be a very competitive person where there this is any opportunities of developing.”

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Village trustees were surprised by the idea.

“I don’t think this is anything that any of us have contemplated before or have any experience in,” said Mayor Terry Weppler during Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. “Can you give us any ideas to where you would locate, how large of a facility you are referring to or any information at all?”

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Rielly told trustees the investment would be between $50 million and $100 million but he has not determined the location or size of the proposed casino. He hopes the village would place this on its new business agenda within six to eight months, and with the village’s support, he could pursue a state gaming license.

“I don’t have these personal resources but my background would indicate I have access to the capital markets, so I would develop that,” Rielly said.

The mayor recommended Rielly submit a specific written proposal to the village for consideration.

“I think it’s a topic that would be very controversial in the community and I think we would need to educate ourselves very, very well,” Weppler said.


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