The city did not disclose the full list of potential investors in each project. Hard Rock representatives did not return messages seeking comment.

The Rockford Hard Rock, endorsed by legendary Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, won approval despite the fact state regulators have considered disciplinary action against another company owned by one of the project’s lead investors. McCormick Place has long been considered a viable casino site, while analysts have floated The 78 as fertile gaming ground in the 62 vacant South Loop acres near Roosevelt Road and Clark Street. The individuals are accused of stealing 5 million worth of. Hard Rock’s bid as HR Chicago LLC comes about nine months after the corporation received the Illinois Gaming Board’s OK to break ground on another casino in Rockford – and about five months after it opened a casino in Gary, Indiana, not even an hour’s drive from Lightfoot’s City Hall office. Two suspects have been charged in connection to a multi-state, high-end theft ring, according to Chicago-area officials.

Lightfoot has received more than $200,000 in campaign contributions from Bluhm’s daughter Leslie and her sister Meredith Bluhm-Wolf.