Rockford Casino looks 'ready' to open after impressive VIP night
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ROCKFORD - A few hundred VIPs got to test out the new Rockford Casino during a private event Monday night that gave casino employees the chance to put their training to the test.
Alderwoman Gabrielle Torina, D-5, said the casino opened from 6-10 p.m. Monday to an invitation-only crowd of Rockford area civic leaders, elected officials and businesspeople.
She said it was a full casino experience. The only difference was it wasn't open to the public.
"It was awesome," Torina said. "I am in my city. I am at a casino that is open for the first time. It was exciting. It was just exciting."
Torina said the casino was fully staffed with dozens of employees, she signed up for a player's club card, and there were cocktails and food. Torina said she isn't much of a gambler, but walked away $150 richer than when she walked in doing well on a 25-cent double diamond game.
Although there has been no formal announcement, Torina said she was told that plans are for the casino to open to the public as soon as Wednesday.
"I don't see why they wouldn't because they are ready," Torina said. "The machines were just beautiful. They were brand new and just untouched and shiny. It was a lot to take in and really fun."
Hard Rock officials have said it took about 100 days to transform what was once a 37,790-square-foot banquet hall known as Giovanni's Restaurant and Convention Center, 610 N. Bell School Road, into the new home of the Rockford Casino, A Hard Rock Opening Act.
The temporary casino is expected to operate for about two years while the estimated $310 million permanent casino campus is constructed on East State Street near the tollway at the former location of the Clock Tower Resort.
The temporary casino will feature about 635 electronic gaming machines. There will be no live table games but it will eventually have electronic roulette, black jack and possibly craps.
Jeff Kolkey: jkolkey@rrstar.com; @jeffkolkey
