Gov orders review of Rosemont casino decision - 2004-03-18
To increase confidence in the Illinois Gaming Board's controversial selection of Rosemont for the state's 10th casino, Gov. Blagojevich said Wednesday he's appointing a special investigator to "conduct a full, open and public review" of the decision.

The board overruled its staff Monday and awarded the license to Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. on a $518 million bid, prompting an outcry from rival bidders, legislative critics and the two other towns vying for a casino, Waukegan and Des Plaines.
Read the full story at Chicago Sun Times

City loses casino to Rosemont - 2004-03-18
Des Plaines learned when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em in the highest stakes casino game ever played around here. But Rosemont already was a pro at the game and came out the winner.

At stake was the defunct Emerald Casino's lucrative gambling license, the 10th and last to be granted by the Illinois Gaming Board.

"It was very shocking, very shocking. It was the last place a lot of people thought the license would go - and I think there will be a lot of people questioning this," said Sixth Ward Alderman Thomas Becker, whose ward would have included the casino site.
Read the full story at Pioneer Press Online