Wind Creek Chicago Southland in East Hazel Crest, Illinois

Wind Creek Hospitality, a prominent name in the casino and hospitality industry, recently celebrated the opening of its latest location: Wind Creek Chicago Southland in East Hazel Crest, Illinois. This highly anticipated property brings the Wind Creek brand to the bustling Chicagoland area, adding a new entertainment hub to the region and offering a fresh array of gaming, dining, and luxury amenities. The opening marks a significant milestone for both Wind Creek Hospitality and the Chicago Southland, blending economic development with an enhanced leisure experience for residents and visitors.
1. The Vision and Planning Behind Wind Creek Chicago Southland
The development of Wind Creek Chicago Southland has been years in the making. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who operate Wind Creek Hospitality, envisioned this casino and entertainment complex as a gateway to new opportunities for East Hazel Crest and the surrounding communities. The project, initially approved in 2019, aimed to stimulate economic growth in the area and create a unique destination that draws tourists and locals alike.
This project embodies Wind Creek’s commitment to providing top-tier entertainment experiences while supporting local economies. Situated just 20 miles south of Chicago, the casino and resort offer residents of East Hazel Crest, neighboring towns, and the city of Chicago easy access to world-class gaming and amenities without needing to travel to established casino hubs like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. This location is part of Wind Creek’s expanding portfolio, which includes resorts in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Aruba, and the Bahamas.
2. Economic Impact on East Hazel Crest and Beyond
The economic potential of Wind Creek Chicago Southland has been one of the driving forces behind its development. As part of its commitment to community investment, the property is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with approximately 800 permanent positions created in addition to the jobs generated during the construction phase. The employment impact spans a variety of roles, from hospitality and culinary positions to administrative and security staff, offering career opportunities for people across multiple skill levels.
Beyond job creation, Wind Creek Chicago Southland promises a considerable boost to the local economy through increased tourism, which will benefit nearby businesses. Hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and other services in East Hazel Crest and the surrounding area are likely to see increased foot traffic and sales as a result of the influx of visitors. Additionally, the casino complex is expected to generate substantial tax revenue, which could be allocated to improve infrastructure, schools, and other public services.
3. The Gaming Experience at Wind Creek Chicago Southland
The gaming experience is, of course, the main attraction at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. The casino boasts an impressive 70,000 square feet of gaming space, featuring a diverse array of games tailored to cater to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Slot machines make up a large portion of the gaming floor, with hundreds of titles available, ranging from classic slots to more modern, high-tech machines with interactive features and progressive jackpots.
For those interested in table games, Wind Creek Chicago Southland offers options like blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. The casino has designed these gaming areas with comfort and luxury in mind, with spacious seating and well-lit environments that provide an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, blackjack, poker enthusiasts can enjoy dedicated poker tables, providing an environment where players can engage in lively games in a secure and entertaining setting.
4. Dining and Culinary Offerings
Wind Creek Hospitality is known for offering diverse and high-quality dining options at its properties, and the Chicago Southland location is no exception. The new resort features a variety of dining venues, each catering to different tastes and dining preferences. From casual eateries to upscale dining, guests have access to a broad spectrum of culinary options that reflect the cultural diversity of the Chicagoland area.
The flagship restaurant, Ember, offers a fine dining experience with a menu inspired by American and international flavors. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared steaks, seafood dishes, and a selection of wines in a sophisticated setting. For those looking for more casual options, the resort includes a food court with fast-casual concepts and grab-and-go choices, perfect for a quick meal between gaming sessions or before heading to a show. Wind Creek Chicago Southland also plans to feature seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients, showcasing its commitment to supporting regional businesses and delivering fresh, quality food.
5. Entertainment Beyond the Casino Floor
In addition to gaming and dining, Wind Creek Chicago Southland has a robust entertainment lineup designed to appeal to a wide range of interests. The property includes a 2,500-seat entertainment venue that hosts live performances, from concerts by popular musical artists to comedy shows and other events. This venue is expected to attract notable performers, adding another layer of appeal for guests and creating a new platform for live entertainment in the Southland region.
For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the resort features lounges and bars where guests can relax and socialize. Live music performances, DJ sets, and themed events provide an immersive entertainment experience, ensuring there is always something happening at Wind Creek. The property also plans to feature rotating art installations and special exhibits that showcase the talent of local artists, adding an artistic dimension to the resort and creating a community connection.
6. The Role of Sustainability and Innovation
Wind Creek Chicago Southland has integrated sustainable practices and innovative technologies into its design and operations. The property utilizes energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials wherever possible, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility. Additionally, Wind Creek Hospitality has taken steps to minimize waste and encourage recycling throughout the facility.
Technological innovation is also a significant aspect of the guest experience at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. The casino offers an app that allows players to keep track of loyalty rewards, access special promotions, and even make dining reservations from their smartphones. This seamless integration of technology not only enhances convenience for guests but also demonstrates Wind Creek’s commitment to providing a modern, user-friendly experience.
7. Wind Creek Rewards and Loyalty Programs
One of the distinguishing features of Wind Creek Hospitality is its commitment to customer loyalty, embodied in the Wind Creek Rewards program. This loyalty program is available at all Wind Creek locations and allows guests to earn points based on their spending throughout the property. These points can then be redeemed for rewards like free play, dining discounts, and exclusive offers.
The Wind Creek Rewards program also includes multiple tiers, with each level offering increasing benefits and perks, such as priority check-in, exclusive access to events, and personalized service. This program is a way for Wind Creek to show appreciation to its loyal guests while enhancing their overall experience at the Chicago Southland property.
8. A Boost to the Local Community and Future Prospects
The opening of Wind Creek Chicago Southland has set the stage for future developments in East Hazel Crest and surrounding areas. This new casino and resort will likely attract additional investments, with businesses considering setting up operations nearby to capitalize on the increase in visitor traffic. The Wind Creek brand is trusted for its commitment to local partnerships, as evidenced by its contributions to schools, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives in other locations. As such, Wind Creek Chicago Southland is poised to be more than just a casino – it is expected to become an active partner in the community.
Wind Creek Hospitality’s development team has also expressed interest in expanding the property in the future, potentially adding hotel accommodations, additional entertainment venues, or even more gaming options based on the success of the initial phase. This possibility of expansion reflects the flexibility of the Wind Creek Chicago Southland complex to evolve and grow according to market demand and community needs.
9. Conclusion: A New Era for East Hazel Crest and Chicago Southland
The opening of Wind Creek Chicago Southland is an exciting milestone for both Wind Creek Hospitality and the East Hazel Crest community. With its blend of gaming, dining, entertainment, and commitment to sustainability, the property has already generated buzz as a premier destination for locals and tourists alike. This new resort promises to play a key role in transforming the Chicago Southland area, bringing economic growth, job opportunities, and enhanced leisure options to the region.
As Wind Creek Chicago Southland continues to develop its offerings, it will undoubtedly become a fixture in the Chicagoland entertainment landscape. This development highlights the ongoing shift in regional entertainment, with more people seeking accessible, high-quality experiences closer to home. Wind Creek Hospitality’s latest venture is a testament to the company’s ability to adapt and innovate, paving the way for a bright future in East Hazel Crest and beyond.