Emerald Casino Inc. is giving up its six-year court fight to win back the state's 10th casino license, easing concerns the company could delay or derail Illinois Gaming Board plans to auction the dormant license in 2008.
Emerald started building a casino in Rosemont in 2000, but the Gaming Board revoked the company's license and accused it of widespread wrongdoing - including alleged links to organized crime. The rusting steel girders of Emerald's unbuilt gambling barge were recently torn down, but Rosemont is expected to be allowed in the casino hunt again if the 10th license is re-bid.