Boyd Gaming Proposes New Riverboat Casino in East Peoria, Illinois

Boyd Gaming Plans to Upgrade Its East Peoria Casino

Boyd Gaming has announced intentions to replace its existing riverboat casino in East Peoria, Illinois with a modern inland facility. While the company aims to move off the current riverboat, it plans to maintain compliance with Illinois’ legal definition of a riverboat casino.

Details of the Proposed Riverboat Casino

Currently, Boyd Gaming operates the Par-A-Dice Casino, which is located on an actual riverboat and accompanied by a nearby hotel. Their proposal involves substituting the floating casino with a traditional building structure.

To preserve the riverboat casino status, the new casino will feature a 1,000-gallon water basin underneath its concrete foundation, continuously supplied by water from the Illinois River. This design meets the state requirement that gambling must take place on water within Illinois.

The proposed clubhouse will be built adjacent to the south side of the Par-A-Dice Hotel. It will encompass a 29,000-square-foot gaming area, a 20,000-square-foot event and meeting space, as well as dining options including a steakhouse and a pub.

Benefits of the New Casino for Boyd Gaming’s Local Presence

Constructing a new venue that qualifies as a riverboat casino allows Boyd Gaming to remain in East Peoria. Without this, a 1991 agreement could force the casino license to relocate to Peoria if a land-based casino is established in the region.

This agreement exempts riverboat casinos from relocation, which is why Boyd’s proposal focuses on meeting the riverboat criteria through the incorporation of the water basin.

The move to a new facility also comes amid declining revenues at the Par-A-Dice casino over the past twenty years, highlighting the need for a revitalized and competitive gaming property.