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The Poarch Band of Creek Indians and Wind Creek Hospitality today announced the Illinois Gaming Board has approved WCH’s bid to build a hotel and casino in Chicago.

The board’s ruling found Wind Creek’s plan “preliminarily suitable” to be awarded the much sought after south suburban casino license. Plans call for the new south suburban casino to open in 2023.

At present, the Tribe owns three hotel and casino resorts in Alabama, one in Pennsylvania and two in the Caribbean. Its existing gaming businesses have garnered accolades both in the U.S. and internationally, including coveted AAA Four Diamond ratings being awarded to several of its hotel and casino resorts.

“I am extremely proud that the Illinois Gaming Board recognizes the value of our Alabama-based Wind Creek Hospitality brand,” PCI Chairman and CEO Stephanie Bryan said. “We have seen the positive impact that our gaming businesses have had in our home state, as well as in Pennsylvania, Nevada and Aruba and Curacao in the Caribbean. We know that gaming done the right way offers opportunities for economic development and job creation that can improve the quality of life in the communities where we make long-term investments. We are excited and honored to bring our business to Illinois and be a part of the greater Chicago community.”

WCH President and CEO Jay Dorris said the entity is excited to work with stakeholders and leaders in the Chicago area.

“I want to thank the Illinois gaming board for their diligence and look forward to our continued relationship,” Dorris said.

The Tribe owns and operates a diverse set of enterprises ranging from a family oriented amusement and indoor water park, several co-branded hotels through Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA) to companies that serve state and federal customers. They include Media Fusion, Muskogee Technology, and PCI Aviation, operating through Poarch Creek Indians Federal Services (PCIFS).

All together, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians oversees over 20 businesses that have a major economic impact in the State of Alabama.