Two proposals have been submitted to develop a Casino in the South Loop of Chicago; one in the new 78 Neighborhood and the other as part of the proposed One Central Project near Museum Campus.

Residents and business owners across the South Loop are concerned about the negative impact of a casino in either of these locations.  Among these concerns are increased crime (which has already risen 59.9% since 2019); proximity to many schools and the safety of our children; supporting our local small businesses; and supporting at-risk communities. In addition, for the 78, a casino was not discussed in the many community meetings that have taken place, nor is it in the approved plans the city has posted.

For these reasons and more (listed below), we believe a casino is a threat to the South Loop and urgently need your help. If you agree, please sign this petition opposing a casino in Chicago's South Loop,  and add your voice to the growing number of concerned citizens.

We are asking the officials who have the power to stop a casino in the South Loop to forego the sites and find a more suitable location for this establishment. The South Loop is a vibrant and diverse place that must be protected from the risks of the proposed casino.

For more information about our concerns, see below:

• South Loop is a residential area with primarily family-owned businesses serving those who live and work in the area.  The concept of changing the South Loop into a Casino-anchored entertainment area has not been proposed to; nor is desired, by local residents.  During the Rivers 78 presentation they frequently referred to their approved Planned Development (PD); however, the approved PD or previously held public forums never referenced a potential Casino[1].
• During the public presentations, each Casino proposal referenced supporting local businesses; however, multiple studies, including a paper by The University of Vermont[2], have shown that Casino developments have a cannibalization effect on local businesses.  We believe a Casino may be better suited for a commercial space in an underdeveloped portion of the city rather than impairing a thriving community with many family-owned and small businesses.
• The South Loop has seen an unprecedented increase in crime including shootings, carjacking, thefts and robberies.  Since 2019, the Near South Side has seen a 58.8% increase in violent crime, the 7th highest increase by Community Area in the city[3]. This will be exacerbated by a casino. According to multiple studies, including an analysis published by Regional Science and Urban Economics[4], crime increases for 5-6 years following the development of a casino. 
• Among others, a study by Dr. Kahlil S. Philander, Assistant Professor of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University[5] have shown that residents in communities with a Casino are twice as likely to become problem gamblers.  This is significant as reported by WBEZ Chicago[6], Chinatown residents and organizations have expressed concern over the undue influence gambling has had on their community.  Similar concern exists for other at risk groups such as the men, women and children served by the nearby Pacific Garden Mission.
• A Casino at either the 78 Neighborhood or One Central locations would be within 2,500 feet of multiple preschools, elementary and high schools[7]
• Specifically regarding a Casino in the 78 neighborhood, the location would primarily be accessed by driving through multiple blocks of primarily residential neighborhoods creating traffic issues and hindering South Loop resident's ability to access local stores and schools.
  
  [1] Chicago 78 Planned Development, Reclassification of Area Shown on Map No. 4-F
  [2] Impacts of Casino Legalization; Vermont Legislative Research Service
  [3] Chicago's 2021 violent crime stats by neighborhood; Axios Chicago
  [4] The Impact of Legalized Casino Gambling on Crime; Regional Science and Urban Economics
  [5] Regional impacts of casino availability on gambling problems: Evidence from the Canadian Community Health
  [6] Chinatown Residents Voice Their Concerns About A Chicago Casino; WBEZ Chicago
  [7] Schools within the vicinity of these proposed Casino’s include:  South Loop Elementary, National Teacher’s Academy, British International, Jones College Prep, Old St. Mary’s, Daystar Academy, Pui Tak Christian School, Hanes Elementary, GEMS World Academy, St. Therese Chinese Catholic School, Perspectives Charter School, and many pre-schools