Published on: February 4, 2026, 09:25h.

Updated on: February 4, 2026, 09:25h.

• Can a water feature beneath a casino be classified as riverboat gambling?
• Peoria city attorneys claim that Boyd Gaming’s Par-A-Dice redevelopment breaches the Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act

The City of Peoria is pursuing a court order to prevent the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) from finalizing a vote on Boyd Gaming’s proposed redevelopment of the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino located in East Peoria.

Following a contentious decision by the Peoria City Council to reject an agreement that would have lifted the city’s objections to Boyd’s $160 million initiative to relocate the riverboat, city attorneys have initiated a lawsuit to secure a temporary restraining order.

The legal action requests a Cook County judge to suspend the IGB’s final deliberation on the Par-A-Dice redevelopment scheduled for tomorrow, February 5. The state gaming regulators are anticipated to decide on the approval of Boyd’s so-called “revamped riverboat,” which includes a 29,000-square-foot casino along with a 1,000-gallon underground water basin.

The lawsuit lists the IGB, the City of East Peoria, Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation, and Boyd Gaming among the defendants. Peoria city attorney Patrick Hayes informed the council on Monday about the “substantial risk” associated with the Board approving Boyd’s project. 

Allegations from the City

During Monday’s meeting, the Peoria City Council dismissed Boyd’s proposal of receiving 2.25% of all non-gaming revenue generated at the new Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. This offer was aimed at persuading city council members, who have advocated for moving the casino to the west side of the Illinois River for Peoria to gain from property, sales, food and beverage, and amusement taxes from the facility.

Boyd’s proposition of 2.25% from non-gaming sources was estimated to yield Peoria approximately $1.8 million each year. However, five council members expressed that this arrangement was insufficient for Peoria to retract its assertions that Boyd is effectively attempting to establish a land-based casino in East Peoria.

“We believe that Boyd’s redevelopment initiative infringes upon the Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act and our intergovernmental agreement with East Peoria,” stated Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich to CIProud.

Though Illinois legalized land-based casinos in 2019, Peoria, East Peoria, and Boyd Gaming concur that a brick-and-mortar gaming venue is not permitted to operate in East Peoria.

Understanding Riverboat Gambling

According to the Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act:

“Riverboat gambling under this Act may be permitted on any water in the State of Illinois or any water, excluding Lake Michigan, that forms a boundary of the State of Illinois.”

While a minor water basin might fulfill this requirement, the subsequent statement may pose additional concerns for Boyd’s venture.

“‘Riverboat’ refers to a self-propelled excursion vessel, a permanently docked barge, or a collection of permanently secured barges that function as a single entity, on which legal gambling is sanctioned and licensed as outlined by this Act.”