Conyears-Ervin went on to say how much representation matters in opportunities such as this, adding that the structure of a lower financial risk threshold allows more Black people with the opportunity to experience generational wealth.
Many residents left the information session feeling knowledgeable and encouraged to own part of the upcoming casino.
Roberta Allen, a resident of Chatham, said that based on the information shared, she would gladly invest. Shesees it as a way to build wealth for her family,
“I think they did a very, very excellent job in explaining everything and understanding the risk involved. And it’s a long-term investment, it’s nothing that’s going to turn around quickly,” Allen said.
Auburn Gresham resident Carla Lennan, who said she already invests for a living, said she would also be buying a share of Bally’s.
“It’s so many ways you can invest. I mean, to go from $250 all the way to $25,000, I mean, if you don’t have any money and all you have is 250 and they let you in,” she said. “That’s, like, a no-brainer for me, and then it’s a no recourse loan, so therefore you’re not liable for it if it [the project] doesn’t go through.”
City employees and their family members cannot participate in the shares program nor those who have been convicted of a felony anywhere in the United States. Those who have been convicted of illegal gambling are also prohibited from applying.
The initial public offering is also not limited to Chicago residents. It is open to those in Illinois, New York, Texas and Florida.
“I will say this, our goal is that we have a lot of participation by folks that are in Chicago,” Dillard added. “There’s a desire for as much participation by folks that are in this pot of land area, as much as possible.”
Those interested can visit their website. Investors have up until Jan. 31 to buy shares.
