Published on: February 6, 2026, at 11:36 AM.
Updated on: February 6, 2026, at 11:36 AM.
- Boyd Gaming has introduced a revised plan for the Illinois Gaming Board regarding Par-A-Dice.
- The casino has shifted from the “modernized riverboat” idea to a more classic riverboat design.
- The City of Peoria previously questioned if the original proposal constituted riverboat gambling.
Boyd Gaming has revamped its redevelopment proposal for the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino located in East Peoria.
During a meeting of the Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday, representatives from Boyd presented their new redevelopment plan for Par-A-Dice. The intention behind this revision was to address concerns about their initial $160 million “modernized riverboat,” which included a conventional casino structure positioned above a small, 100-gallon water basin. Boyd’s updated proposal now focuses on a more traditional riverboat format.
Uri Clinton, Boyd Gaming’s executive vice president and general counsel, described the new investment as a pavilion extension featuring a “permanently moored barge,” asserting that this approach renders previous challenges from the City of Peoria irrelevant.
“We no longer have to engage in debate or seek creative solutions. This will conform to regulatory standards and provide a best-in-class, permanently moored barge for gaming,” Clinton emphasized.
The IGB was initially scheduled to vote on Boyd’s prior proposal. However, after being briefed on this new approach, state gaming regulators indicated they would convene a special meeting within three weeks to reach a final decision.
Peoria’s Missed Opportunity
Since 1991, Peoria and East Peoria have upheld an intercity agreement which mandates that a riverboat must operate in East Peoria while any land-based casinos are restricted to Peoria. Various Peoria councilors and officials have expressed that Boyd Gaming’s initial plan failed to meet the water requirements specified in the Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act.
Although the two cities equally share the 5% local gaming tax collected from Par-A-Dice, only the host city gains advantages from property, hotel occupancy, food and beverage, and amusement taxes. To alleviate Peoria’s apprehensions regarding the classification of a casino above a water basin as riverboat gambling, Boyd proposed directing 2.25% of all non-gaming revenue generated at the revamped Par-A-Dice to Peoria.
On Monday, the Peoria City Council reached a tie vote of 5-5 on this proposal. As a result, the agreement was dismissed. Opponents of the plan felt they could negotiate a more favorable deal with Boyd.
Consequently, Boyd is now advancing with the classic riverboat model. Should the IGB approve the redevelopment, Peoria stands to lose out on the 2.25% additional revenue, which was anticipated to amount to roughly $1.8 million annually.
“It’s disappointing. I feel we’ve missed a significant opportunity,” remarked Peoria Mayor Rita Ali, one of the council members who supported the Boyd proposal, to the Peoria Journal Star. “This is not about being right; I aimed to secure a beneficial outcome for the citizens of Peoria to enhance the city’s growth.”
Casino Overview
Boyd Gaming’s presentation outlined a barge structure featuring a casino floor that spans 40,000 square feet. Included in the amenities are a steakhouse, a gastropub, and a quick-service restaurant.
The financial details regarding the moored development have not been disclosed.
