ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- The City of Rockford has extended the deadline to submit proposals for a new casino to Friday, August 30 at 2 p.m.

The original deadline was Friday, August 16.

Rockford says the original deadline only gave potential investors 44 days to complete the request for proposals, less than half of the industry standard for casino RFP responses. The new extension gives organizations 58 days to submit proposals.

City leaders say the change will not affect Rockford's ability to review and certify proposals before the application due date.

In early September, the city will evaluate proposals and send follow-up questions to proposers.

While the casino proposal deadline has been extended, the following timetables have not yet been changed:

September 16: Evaluation team submits recommendations to City Council
Sept. 23: Public Hearing
By Sept. 30: City Council certifies proposers
Before Oct. 25: Applications filed with Illinois Gaming Board