On November 15th hearing officer Abner Mikva made a recommendation to the Illinois Gaming Board that the Emerald Casino should loose it’s gambling license. Just over one month later, the IGB decided to accept that recommendation.
With a five to zero vote, the Gaming Board stripped the license away from Emerald Casino, which very likely means the end of the business. The company tried to open a gambling barge in 2001 in Rosemont but was blocked by the state.
A board member, retired developer Charles Gardner, cited the casino’s record, stating it is full of deceit, misdirection, lies and untruths, calling the outfit a stain on the gaming industry in Illinois.
Emerald Casino said right after the ruling that it would appeal the decision. The fight could span from two to five years while Emerald fights for its life, which means the only gaming license up for grabs, Emerald’s, will be tied up for that length of time. | 
