The city's analysis suggested those locations would hurt the convention business, determining, 'Losing even one convention due to a casino could have significant adverse impacts on city and state revenues.' The two locations eliminated included on that would have converted the Lakeside Center at McCormick Place into a casino, and another that would have been built in the truck marshaling lot just south of there. 'But what it means for us is, you know, another location, job creation and just access to more people, and being able to share our passion with others,' said owner Janell Richmond.

That one is particularly exciting for the owner of Emeche Cakery and Café in Bronzeville, who is part of that bid and would be able to open a second location in the casino if it ends up winning. And the Rivers 78 site would be part of a planned development along the river near Clark and Roosevelt. The Bally's Tribune proposed site is along the river by Chicago Avenue. The Hard Rock Chicago would be built right near Soldier Field.

I think we're going to have a very robust debate over the three finalist. 'So that really narrows the sweet spot for how we pull this off. 'The location is key because you want to capture some of the tourist trade without cannibalizing conventions or threatening what they're trying to do at McCormick Place,' said 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins.

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