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Chicago Tribune

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This site contains commercial content Illinois lawmakers voted in favor of legalizing sports betting in 2020, but iGaming legislation has met with more resistance. Several iGaming bills failed in Illinois in 2021, and again in 2023. Internet gambling may not be legal in Illinois just yet, but sweepstakes casinos, also called social casinos, are…

Mobile ・ 18 March 2024

Chicago Tribune

Bally's gets Gaming Board approval to open temporary casino

After years of planning, months of renovations and several days of monitored practice sessions, Bally's Chicago got the green light Friday from the Illinois Gaming Board to launch the city's long-sought first casino. Medinah Temple in River North opened this weekend, welcoming gamblers to try their luck at an ornate temporary facility that is…

Land-based ・ 08 February 2024

Chicago Tribune

January gambling revenues up at Bally's but down statewide

The new year is off to a promising start for Bally's Chicago, which saw gambling revenue hit a new monthly high in January, bucking a broader post-holiday downturn for Illinois casinos. In January, revenue at the temporary Medinah Temple casino grew 9.1% to $9.3 million in adjusted gross receipts, according to monthly data released Wednesday by the…

Finance ・ 08 February 2024

Chicago Tribune

Sneak peek: Bally’s turns Medinah Temple into a gambling mecca

Days after getting preliminary approval from the state, Bally's Chicago has moved hundreds of slot machines and table games into place at the landmark Medinah Temple, which is set to be reborn this summer as a temporary Chicago gambling mecca. The River North building, a Moorish-style amphitheater perhaps best known for hosting the annual Shrine…

Land-based ・ 07 February 2024

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Chicago Tribune

Bally’s pushes Medinah temporary casino opening to September

Anyone who took the over bet on when the Bally's Chicago temporary casino at Medinah Temple would open is looking like a winner. The target date, which has already been pushed back several months, is now slated for September, the company said during its second quarter earnings call Thursday. "Obviously we're a little delayed from what we…

Finance ・ 06 February 2024

The Real Deal

Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino Plan Scores $290M Loan

The developer of a $529 million casino complex in Chicago's southern suburbs scored $290 million in financing as construction on the large project advances. Wind Creek Hospitality, the builder of the casino and a 252-room hotel were issued a loan for the 73000-square foot gambling center featuring 1350 slot machines and 56 table games on the border…

Law ・ 04 November 2023

Chicago Tribune

Mini reviews: Bally’s Casino Chicago restaurants and bars

The first and only casino in Chicago opened last month to much fanfare, but the restaurants and bars have surprisingly remained mostly a mystery. Food and drink have long been a lure in gambling culture, culminating in celebrity chef restaurants around the world from Las Vegas to Macao. Bally's Casino Chicago, temporarily housed at the historic…

Travel ・ 30 October 2023

Urbanize Chicago

Illinois Gaming Board grants Bally’s permanent casino license

The Illinois Gaming Board has approved Bally's permanent owners license as the final step of review before Bally's Corporation can begin construction and operate the $1.7 billion permanent casino redevelopment in River West. As the first urban casino, the entertainment complex will include the casino space with 3400 slots and 173 table games, 10…

Land-based ・ 30 October 2023

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Gambling News

Bally’s Chicago Casino Sees Strong Start, Aims for Long-Term Success

Image Source: Shutterstock.com Bally's Chicago Casino, housed within the historic Medinah Temple, has made an impressive debut in the city's bustling River North neighborhood. Despite being in operation for just three weeks, the casino attracted over 80000 visitors and generated approximately $6.7 million in revenue, according to data released by…

Finance ・ 10 October 2023

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago casino could open this weekend at Medinah Temple

All bets could be on in Chicago this weekend at Medinah Temple if all goes as planned for Bally's over the next few days at the corporation's temporary casino inside the historic River North landmark. The city's first legal slot machines are already visible through the glass doors of the soon-to-open casino at 600 N. Wabash Ave. - and they'll be…

Finance ・ 10 September 2023

ABC 7 Chicago

New Chicago casino location: Bally's opens temporary River North casino at former Medinah Temple

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's very first casino is now open for business. Bally's opened its doors at 8 a.m. Saturday at the former Medinah Temple in River North. First in line was Steven Henry. '"I wanted to get down here before it got really crazy because a lot of people have been buzzing about the new site and this is the first time I've been down…

Finance ・ 10 September 2023

Chicago Sun Times

Bally’s temporary Chicago casino opens at Medinah Temple

After decades of political wrangling by past Chicago mayors, years of jockeying by potential developers for the lucrative deal and months of preparation by the lucky bidder, Bally's temporary Chicago casino took the city's first legal wagers from the betting public Saturday morning. Not that any of that lengthy history was on display outside the…

Finance ・ 09 September 2023

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Bally's To Open Downtown Chicago Casino Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, Chicago will become the largest city in the United States to have a casino within city limits. The Illinois Gaming Board issued a temporary operating permit to Bally's on Friday afternoon to conduct casino gaming at Medinah Temple, and the gaming company will open its doors to the public at the temporary venue at 8 a.m.…

Finance ・ 09 September 2023

chicagodefender.com

Bally's Chicago Casino Set to Open This Saturday at the Medinah Temple

Bally's, Chicago's first and only casino, will open this Saturday at its temporary River North location. As The Chicago Defender reported on Wednesday, the casino at the historic Medinah Temple would open by this weekend, pending Illinois Gaming Board approval of Bally's gaming sessions. According to Bally's, state gaming officials approved the…

Travel ・ 09 September 2023

The Real Deal

Albert Friedman Getting $20M from Temporary Bally’s Casino

Prominent River North developer Albert Friedman has won big with Bally's. The longtime Chicago real estate player with strong political connections struck a $20 million deal with the casino operator for the use of the historic Medinah Temple building as a temporary gambling hall while Bally's builds its permanent, $1.7 billion entertainment complex…

Law ・ 08 September 2023

ABC 7 Chicago

Bally's Chicago Casino: Practice sessions at Medinah Temple to begin Wednesday ahead of potential opening this weekend

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 10:16AM CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's about to be "game on" for Chicago's temporary casino. Wednesday practice games begin at the former Medinah Temple. The building is on Wabash Avenue between Ohio and Ontario streets. Chicago's first casino could be open as soon as this weekend if regulators give the green light following…

Land-based ・ 07 September 2023

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Bally’s Casino at Medinah Temple Could Open This Weekend

Chicago's first and only casino could open as soon as this Saturday, pending approval by the Illinois Gaming Board. Bally's is slated to open a temporary casino in one of the city's most iconic and historic buildings, the Medinah Temple. "We have to show our regulators that we are ready, as ready as we can be," said Ameet Patel, Bally's Corporation…

Industry ・ 06 September 2023

NBC Chicago

Bally’s Chicago casino at Medinah Temple could open in September

Get ready, gamblers: Chicago's first casino could open to the public as soon as this month. Illinois Gaming Board in June, officials this week are set to tour and inspect Bally's temporary Chicago casino, located inside the city's historic Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash in River North. According to Bally's executives, the temporary casino is…

Land-based ・ 05 September 2023

US Bets

IGB To Conduct Testing At Bally's Chicago Casino Next Week

It's almost time for Bally's to go all-in in Chicago. The Illinois Gaming Board will begin a three-day period of assessments and testing at Medinah Temple, the temporary Bally's casino in downtown Chicago, starting Sept. 5. The state agency will begin its assessment before conducting two days of practice gaming sessions Sept. 6-7. If Bally's meets…

Finance ・ 28 August 2023

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago casino poised for mid-September opening

First the barbecue, then the baccarat. Chicago's first casino could launch soon after Labor Day, if all goes well during practice gaming sessions set to take place shortly after the holiday at Bally's temporary Medinah Temple gambling hall. Regulators will inspect the River North operation Sept. 5 and oversee practice gaming sessions Sept. 6-7,…

Finance ・ 24 August 2023

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Chicago Sun Times

Bally’s Chicago casino ‘a little delayed,’ expected to open in September

Hold your bets on the opening date for Chicago's first casino. Bally's executives said Thursday they expect their temporary gambling house at the historic Medinah Temple to open sometime in September, a few weeks later than initially suggested by leaders of the Rhode Island-based corporation. Regulators at the Illinois Gaming Board gave an early…

Finance ・ 04 August 2023

Chicago Tribune

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Payment Methods ・ 31 July 2023

Yogonet

Illinois: Opening of Wind Creek's Chicago Southland casino delayed, estimated completion now set for 2025

The opening of a highly anticipated south suburban casino in Illinois, built by Wind Creek Hospitality, is now scheduled for January 1, 2025, according to redevelopment agreements recently approved by the East Hazel Crest and Homewood suburbs. The initial estimate for completion of the Chicago Southland Casino was later this year or early 2024, but…

Finance ・ 07 July 2023

Chicago Sun Times

Illinois Gaming Board gives early approval to Bally’s Chicago casino

All bets could be on in Chicago by the end of summer. State regulators on Thursday handed down a key early approval to Bally's Chicago casino plan, paving the way for the corporation to launch a temporary gambling house within a couple of months at the historic Medinah Temple in River North while it builds the permanent structure in River West. The…

Finance ・ 02 July 2023

The US Sun

I sued casino bosses after they refused to pay out my $41million jackpot

A GRANDMOTHER was denied a $41 million casino jackpot payout after a casino claimed there was a computer glitch that falsely told her she had won the jackpot. Pauline Mckee, 90, was playing on a slot machine when she won $1.85. The grandmother was playing Miss Kitty, a common slot game. She was then confronted with a message on the screen that said…

Winnings ・ 25 May 2023

Card Player

City Approves Design Of Bally's Chicago Casino

Bally's Corporation announced that the proposed site plan for Bally's Chicago Casino was approved by the Chicago Department of Planning and Urban Development. The plan is to begin construction in late 2024. The $1.7 billion development is projected to bring over 3000 permanent jobs to the city. Bally's Chicago will include 3400 slots and 170 table…

Land-based ・ 20 May 2023

The Guam Daily Post

Bally’s Chicago hiring over 700 to open temporary casino at Medinah Temple

Bally's Chicago put out the help-wanted sign Wednesday to fill more than 700 positions for its temporary casino at Medinah Temple, which is slated to open in July - pending approval by the Illinois Gaming Board. The casino is hiring everything from card dealers and security to housekeeping and marketing staff. The full list of open positions is…

Incidents ・ 06 May 2023

World Casino News

Bally's Opens 700 Jobs for Temporary Chicago Casino

Casino operator Bally's Chicago announced more than 700 vacant job positions for its temporary casino at Medinah Temple scheduled to open in July 2023 upon the receipt of the Illinois Gaming Board's approval. As the Chicago Tribune reports, the casino is hiring a range of job profiles listed on the company's website. Pending License: Ameet Patel,…

Jobs ・ 06 May 2023

Chicago Tribune

From card dealers to seamstresses, Bally’s Chicago hiring more than 700 to open temporary casino at Medinah Temple

Bally's Chicago put out the help-wanted sign Wednesday to fill more than 700 positions for its temporary casino at Medinah Temple, which is slated to open in July - pending approval by the Illinois Gaming Board. The casino is hiring everything from card dealers and security to housekeeping and marketing staff. The full list of open positions is…

Incidents ・ 05 May 2023

Our Quad Cities

Rock Island agrees to reimburse $4.7M in casino plan

Bally's Casino and Hotel, Rock Island, is planning a $34-million redevelopment, and the city is placing its bets to reimburse a good chunk of that. The former Jumer's Casino and Hotel (bought by Bally's in 2021), at Illinois 92 and I-280, is the oldest of the three Quad Cities casinos, having opened in 2008 and is lagging in market share, said…

Industry ・ 17 March 2023

Chicago Tribune

US casinos top $60 billion in revenue in 2022, with Chicago the 4th largest market

Commercial casinos in the United States won more than $60 billion from gamblers in 2022, the best year in the industry's history. Figures released Wednesday by the American Gaming Association, the gambling industry's national trade group, show that in-person gambling remains the bread-and-butter of the industry, accounting for more than 80% of its…

Industry ・ 11 March 2023

Yogonet

Chicago: Bally's plans to build temporary casino at Medinah Temple approved by gaming board

State gambling regulators signed off on Thursday the initial steps toward the opening of Chicago's first casino, voting in favor of a license for Medinah Temple to serve as the home of a temporary gambling hall that developer Bally's hopes to open by June. The permanent building, to open its doors in 2026, will be built west of the Chicago River on…

Finance ・ 13 February 2023

Yogonet

Bally's expects Tropicana Vegas acquisition to close in September; files Chicago casino application with Illinois regulator

Bally's Corporation is moving forward with two major projects in two different US states, which involve the Tropicana acquisition in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Chicago's first casino project, in Illinois. On the Nevada front, the company said it will, announced in April last year, at the end of September. Nevertheless, Bally's executives said in…

Land-based ・ 26 December 2022

Chicago Tribune

Chicago casino: Bally's closes Freedom Center deal for $200M

Bally's completed its $200 million purchase of the Freedom Center printing plant Friday, paving the way to build Chicago's long-sought and much-debated casino. The Rhode Island-based company bought the 30-acre River West site from Nexstar Media Group, with plans to transform it into a $1.74 billion casino complex. What becomes of the Chicago…

Travel ・ 22 December 2022

Engineering News - Record

$1.7B Chicago Casino Wins Zoning Approval

A proposed $1.7 billion casino in Chicago has earned city council approval, but still needs a license from the Illinois Gaming Board. The council voted 39-5 Dec. 14 in favor of the zoning changes that Bally's Corp. needs to build the casino, hotel and entertainment complex in an industrial area, the site of the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center…

Finance ・ 18 December 2022

US Bets

Chicago City Council Approves Bally's $1.7 Billion Casino Plan

Bally's took another crucial step forward in its efforts to build a $1.7 billion casino in downtown Chicago on Wednesday when the full city council approved its proposal for the River West neighborhood. The 39-5 vote, with five absent and one recusal, came after the city's plan commission and zoning committee each approved the amended proposal on…

Finance ・ 14 December 2022

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Chicago Plan Commission Approves Bally’s Casino Plans

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved Bally's casino plans, marking the latest step forward for the proposed $1.7bn casino at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. A late objection on Monday by an alderperson was not enough to derail the approval. The final vote by the panel was 12-1; the City Council will conduct a final review as early as…

Land-based ・ 14 December 2022

World Casino News

Major Competition for NY License as Thor Equities invests $3 billion

Thor Equities, a real estate development, leasing, and management firm, has made a 3 billion dollar bid to build a new casino and entertainment venue at Coney Island, Brooklyn, with the backing of its partners Saratoga Casino Holdings, Legends and Chickasaw Nation. The race for a New York license: In 2013, New York authorities accepted casinos for…

Industry ・ 30 November 2022

Propmodo

Thor Equities Rolls Out $3B Bid For New York City Casino

Commercial real estate firm Thor Equities is the latest major developer to throw its hat in the ring for a casino license. The New York-based firm announced last week it has partnered with Saratoga Casino Holdings, Legends, and the Chickasaw Nation in a bid to develop a new casino and entertainment venue within Brooklyn's famed Coney Island. The $3…

Land-based ・ 29 November 2022

The Real Deal

Bally’s To Close On $200M Casino Site Purchase

Bally's is on track to close its deal to buy the Freedom Center printing plant site for its Chicago casino by Thanksgiving, and will likely pursue a ground lease with an investor to raise money for the project. The entertainment company is set to buy the 30-acre River West property from Nexstar Media Group for $200 million, the Chicago…

Travel ・ 10 November 2022

The Southern Maryland Chronicle

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Land-based ・ 03 November 2022

Card Player

Bally's Secures Labor Deal For Chicago Casino

Bally's Corporation announced that it has signed a multi-project labor agreement with the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department for the construction of the upcoming Bally's Chicago casino. "BCTC is proud to stand with Bally's Chicago in this historic building of the…

Jobs ・ 17 October 2022

Yogonet

Nevada regulators grant Bally's final approval for $308M acquisition of Tropicana Las Vegas

The Nevada Gaming Commission granted final approval Thursday to Bally's Corp purchase of the Tropicana Las Vegas casino. The operator is set to acquire the property for $308 million from Penn National Entertainment. Bally's intends to make the Tropicana its western flagship operation, with the deal expected to formally close between Sunday and…

Industry ・ 01 October 2022

Food And Beverage Magazine

CHEF SHAWN MCCLAIN BRINGS BALLA ITALIAN SOUL TO SAHARA LAS VEGAS SEPTEMBER 30

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Poker ・ 05 September 2022

GMToday

Bally’s files application with state for first Chicago casino

Bally's filed its application with the Illinois Gaming Board on Wednesday, taking a major step in the process to build Chicago's first casino and the flagship property for its fast-growing company. The application was posted on the gaming board website Thursday morning. The clock is now running for the publicly traded Rhode Island-based company to…

Travel ・ 12 August 2022

US Bets

Bally's Submits Application For Downtown Chicago Casino License

Bally's formally submitted its application for a casino license to the Illinois Gaming Board on Wednesday, seeking to build a $1.7 billion venue in the River West neighborhood of the third-largest city in the United States. If the IGB approves the application, Bally's would operate a temporary casino at Medinah Temple in nearby River North while…

Travel ・ 11 August 2022

Chicago Tribune

Daywatch: Application filed for Chicago’s first casino

Bally's filed its application with the Illinois Gaming Board, taking a major step in the process to build Chicago's first casino and the flagship property for its fast-growing company. The clock is now running for the publicly traded Rhode Island-based company to win license approval from the state, finalize its proposal with the city's planning…

Finance ・ 11 August 2022

The Nevada Independent

Indy Gaming: Bally’s says it will close purchase of Tropicana Las Vegas next month

Good morning, and welcome to the Indy Gaming newsletter, a weekly look at gaming matters nationally and internationally and how the events tie back to Nevada. If a colleague or associate emailed this newsletter to you, please to sign up and receive your own copy of Indy Gaming in your inbox. - Howard Stutz More than a year after announcing a deal…

Valentine's Day ・ 10 August 2022

Gambling News

Bally’s Makes Its $40 Million Chicago Casino Pledge, Mayor Confirms

Chicago's long-awaited casino has just moved one step closer as Bally's paid its $40 million pledge to the city. The mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, confirmed the news on Thursday and thanks to this development, the $1.7-billion project can enter the next phase of development. The proposed Bally's casino in Chicago will be located at Tribune…

Jobs ・ 17 June 2022

REJournals

Bally’s hits the jackpot with approval for $1.7 billion casino plan for River West

The Bally's Corporation proposal to build a casino/entertainment venue in River West was officially given the go-ahead on May 25 by the Chicago City Council, reported Urbanize Chicago. Bally's $1.7 billion plan is welcome news for most, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot has worked to bring a casino into Chicago as a new revenue stream to bridge the gap for…

Winnings ・ 01 June 2022

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US cities look to casinos for economic development

Blinking slot machine lights and the sound of shuffling cards may be coming soon to Chicago's River West neighborhood following the city council's approval last week of the city's first casino. Chicago is the most recent U.S. city to pursue an urban gaming venue to drive economic development. The casino industry is one of the fastest-growing in the…

Strategy Guide ・ 01 June 2022

Construction Review Online

Bally's Corporation River West Casino Project Approved, Chicago

The River West casino and entertainment venue proposed by Bally's Corporation has been approved by the Chicago City Council. The US$ 1.7 billion project will replace the Chicago Tribune printing factory on the west bank of the Chicago River between W. Chicago Avenue and W. Grand Avenue. The process has been years in the works, with mayor Lori…

Jobs ・ 28 May 2022

Vegas Slots Online

Chicago City Council Approves Bally's $1.7bn Casino Plan

It appears that Chicago will soon have its first-ever casino after the City Council gave the Bally's project its support. Following a 41-7 council vote on Wednesday in favor of the casino project proceeding, the final step is for the Illinois Gaming Board to approve the casino. despite some alderpeople and local residents airing their concerns The…

Jobs ・ 26 May 2022

WTTW

Chicago City Council Votes 41-7 to Approve Bally’s River West Casino

The Chicago City Council voted 41-7 on Wednesday to go all in on a plan from Bally's to build a casino in River West, capping a 30-year odyssey and handing Mayor Lori Lightfoot a significant victory as she prepares to run for a second term as Chicago mayor. The $1.73 billion proposal now heads to the Illinois Gaming Board, which must license…

Covid ・ 26 May 2022

CBS News

City Council approves Bally's plan for River West casino

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Aldermen on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved Mayor Lori Lightfoot's push for Bally's to build the city's first casino in the River West neighborhood, despite complaints from some critics that the project was rushed through City Council, and that the projected $200 million in annual tax revenue the project is estimated to bring to…

Land-based ・ 25 May 2022

CBS News

Bally's proposal for River West casino wins first key vote, with final City Council approval on tap for Wednesday

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot's push for Bally's to build the city's first casino in the River West neighborhood cleared its first major hurdle on Monday, as a key city panel approved the plan, setting up a final City Council vote on Wednesday. The City Council's Special Committee on the Chicago Casino voted 27-3 to approve an ordinance…

Land-based ・ 24 May 2022

WTTW

Chicago Casino Plan Poised for Approval Later This Week After Initial City Council Vote

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's decision to tap Bally's to build a casino in River West won the approval of 27 members of the Chicago City Council on Monday, setting the $1.73 billion proposal up for a final vote on Wednesday. Only three members of the special City Council committee created by Lightfoot to consider the casino proposal voted against the…

Covid ・ 24 May 2022

CBS News

First vote on Bally's plan for River West casino delayed, amid ongoing questions, complaints from aldermen

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The first expected vote on Mayor Lori Lightfoot's push for Bally's to build a $1.74 billion casino in River West was called off on Friday, as aldermen continued to raise questions about the project, but the mayor is still hoping to get it approved by next week. The City Council's Special Casino Committee had been expected to vote…

Land-based ・ 21 May 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Lightfoot pushing for Friday vote on casino ordinance and host agreement with Bally’s authorizing River West casino

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pushing for a Friday vote-on an ordinance authorizing a Chicago casino and a host agreement with Bally's-in an apparent rush to secure a $40 million upfront payment for her pre-election budget. The City Council committee created to purportedly deal with "all matters" pertaining to a Chicago casino was not asked to weigh in…

Politics ・ 18 May 2022

The Real Deal

Chicago Medinah Temple to be temporary casino despite opposition

One week after winning a hard-fought campaign to develop Chicago's first casino, Bally's is learning that the city's most-used nickname has less to do with Lake Michigan's icy breeze than its bloviating politicians. Aldermen are up in arms and there's even an allegation floating around that the mayor got bought off - for the chump-change sum of…

Sports ・ 15 May 2022

NBC Chicago

Bally’s Officials Respond to Residents’ Concerns About New Chicago Casino

Residents got their first opportunity to react to Mayor Lori Lightfoot's plan for Bally's to build Chicago's first casino, putting officials on the defensive in the process. The Bally's Corporation plans to build a $1.7 billion hotel and casino in the city's River West neighborhood, locating the building on a portion of the site of the Chicago…

Jobs ・ 13 May 2022

The Real Deal

Suburban Chicago Casinos Nearing Construction

Bally's isn't the only casino operator taking big steps forward on development plans in the Chicago area this month. As the gambling industry focused on Bally's selection last week for the city's first casino, Full House Resorts finalized an agreement with the far north suburb of Waukegan to clear the way for a temporary casino to open next to…

Travel ・ 10 May 2022

Chicago Tribune

Column: Chicago rushes to approve casino deal while south suburbs hit jackpot with trusted partner

Chicago's rush to approve a $1.7 billion casino deal represents a shocking contrast to Wind Creek's plans to build an entertainment complex in East Hazel Crest and Homewood. The Southland seems to have hit the jackpot with a developer committed to building long-term partnerships. Chicago risks making a bad deal by moving too quickly, some aldermen…

Winnings ・ 10 May 2022

Yogonet

Chicago Mayor denies reports of Bally's selected as casino license winner

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday denied reports from multiple news outlets that alleged that the city has chosen Bally's proposal at the Chicago Tribune printing site to become Chicago's first casino. She said the special committee tasked with evaluating all three casino bids has not yet completed its work. Bally's $2 billion project, which…

Jobs ・ 10 May 2022

WTTW

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Casino Pick Gets Cool Reception from Chicago City Council Members

Members of the Chicago City Council gave Mayor Lori Lightfoot's decision to place a high-stakes bet on Bally's to build a casino in River West a cool reception on Monday, even as the mayor's team urged them to quickly approve the proposal and avert massive property tax hikes. While members of the Lightfoot administration touted the proposal from…

Covid ・ 10 May 2022

Times Of Casino

Mayor Lori Lightfoot Picks Gambling Site at River West

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has picked a gambling complex located at River West for a casino license, something that the region has been seeking for a long time. The move is in a bid to accelerate the financial health of Chicago and keep the regional money within the state. Bally's hopes to add it as a flagship location for its chain that already…

Gambling Sites ・ 06 May 2022

Chicago Tribune

Aldermen push back on three Chicago casino finalists, as city looks to select a winner ‘within a month’

Aldermen are pushing back against the three proposed finalists for a Chicago casino, as the city nears a final selection amid growing concern from residents about locating a casino in their backyards. The Special Committee on the Chicago Casino, which was created last month to help winnow the casino proposals from three to one, fielded questions at…

Finance ・ 26 April 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Labor groups join aldermen in critique of casino plans over lack of living wage guarantees

Chicago's casino proposals, already getting berated from neighbors close to the three potential sites, drew fire Monday from organized labor groups who want the gambling kingpins to accept a unionized labor force. Alderpersons eagerly supported that demand. None of the casino applicants has agreed to negotiate with unions traditionally in the…

Mobile ・ 26 April 2022

NBC Chicago

Chicago’s 3 Proposed Casino Sites Continue to Draw Opposition From Some Residents, Special Meeting Planned

The city of Chicago is holding a special meeting Monday to weigh in on where to put the city's first casino. But not all residents from those neighborhoods are on board. The three neighborhoods in consideration include the South Loop, which includes Chinatown and Pilsen, the area just west of Soldier Field, and River West. Each of those locations…

Finance ・ 25 April 2022

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Chicago Chinatown Residents Protest New Casino Proposal

A small but influential group of demonstrators gathered in Chicago's Chinatown over the weekend to protest the proposed site for Rush Street Gaming's $1.62bn project just north of the historic neighborhood. Sunday's protesters included Dr. Hong Liu of the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), and Chinatown resident Dr. Kim Tee, who is also…

Law ・ 25 April 2022

WTTW

Hammered by Complaints, Push for Chicago Casino Faces Bumpy Final Stretch

None of the Chicago casino finalists rolled double sixes at community meetings staged by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, complicating the future of the gaming palace and entertainment district officials contend is key to the city's financial future. While city officials touted the meetings as a chance for Chicagoans to weigh in on the three finalists…

Covid ・ 12 April 2022

Block Club Chicago

Neighbors Worry Rivers Casino Planned For The 78 Will Lead To Gambling Addictions, Is Too Close To Schools

SOUTH LOOP - Hundreds showed up to hear Related Midwest and billionaire Neil Bluhm's Rush Street Gaming sell their plan for a Rivers Casino at The 78 megadevelopment at town hall Thursday. The development team had their work cut out for them, as the area's alderman has already said he can't support a casino at the site and a community advisory…

Land-based ・ 08 April 2022

Yogonet

Illinois: Full House seeks minority and women-owned vendors for Waukegan casino project

Casino developer and operator Full House Resorts and construction services business Turner Construction Company conducted a vendor outreach event aimed at minority- and women-owned businesses last Tuesday for the development of both the temporary and permanent American Place casino in Waukegan, Illinois. The event was held at American Place's newly…

Travel ・ 24 March 2022

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Bally’s, Rush Street, Hard Rock on Chicago Casino Shortlist

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has whittled down the list of proposals in the race to build the city's first casino. The mayor announced on Tuesday that she has selected three plans from the five bids, including proposals from Bally's Corporation, Rush Street Gaming, and Hard Rock International. Each of the finalists has its own proposed development…

Law ・ 23 March 2022

Block Club Chicago

Chicago Casino Finalists Include Rivers At South Loop's 78, Hard Rock Near Soldier Field And Bally's In River West

SOUTH LOOP - The 78 megadevelopment, along with the Tribune Publishing Center and the One Central project site are all in the running to host Chicago's first casino. Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office announced Tuesday the list had been narrowed down from five locations to those three - kicking the Michael Reese megadevelopment and McCormick Place off…

Land-based ・ 22 March 2022

WTTW

Chicago’s Casino Won’t Be Built at McCormick Place, Officials Announce As 3 Finalists Unveiled

Officials have whittled down the five proposals submitted by three firms to build a casino and resort in Chicago to eliminate both proposals that would have built the gambling palace at McCormick Place, city leaders announced Tuesday. That leaves all three firms that bid for the long-awaited Chicago casino still in the running to build and operate…

Land-based ・ 22 March 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago casino proposals narrowed to 3: Bally’s, Hard Rock, Rivers

Chicago's drawn-out casino sweepstakes is down to three-of-a-kind, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday passed on a pair of proposals tied to McCormick Place - and extended her selection process by at least a few months. City officials announced they've narrowed the field of five bids for the coveted megacasino down to three development pitches: a…

Sports ・ 22 March 2022

Yogonet

Full House gets Waukegan's first official approval for temporary American Place casino in illinois

Full House Resorts has received endorsement from the Waukegan Planning & Zoning Commission for a temporary casino in Lake County, Illinois. The commission unanimously recommended the council approve the site plan for the temporary American Place casino during a public hearing on Thursday at City Hall. With the recommendation going to the council,…

Travel ・ 14 March 2022

Chicago Journal

City hears 5 bids from 3 bidders for new casino

CHICAGO - Three casino development groups are tossing their chips in to play the high stakes political game to become Chicago's gambling home and win approval to open a facility is expected to rake in around $1 billion per year. We learned more about their proposals on Thursday as they made their first public pitches to Mayor Lori Lightfoot at…

Land-based ・ 18 December 2021

Yogonet

Bally's, Hard Rock, Rush Street pitch 5 Chicago casino bids to public; Mayor weighs financial viability

Bally's, Rush Street Gaming and Hard Rock International presented five competing bids for a permanent Chicago casino to the public during a marathon meeting Thursday, attended by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who said she wants the winner to be financially viable, architecturally stunning and be guided by the principles of inclusion and equity. The major…

Land-based ・ 18 December 2021

World Casino News

Plans for a Chicago casino being considered

As part of the campaign to bring a large casino to downtown Chicago and a trio of companies have reportedly submitted five proposals that are to now be considered by the office of mayor Lori Lightfoot (pictured). According to a Thursday report from local television broadcaster WGN-TV, the competing propositions have been officially presented by…

Politics ・ 17 December 2021

US Bets

Bidders For Chicago Casino Pull Out All The Stops In Public Presentations

Rush Street Gaming is pushing a potentially key advantage - timing - in trying to differentiate itself with two other bidders to build and operate a casino in downtown Chicago. Unlike the other applicants, Rush Street says it can have Chicago's city casino ready to open in 2022 by repurposing the historic Lakeside Center at McCormick Place, rather…

Sports ・ 17 December 2021

CBS Chicago

Bidders Show Off Five Casino Proposals For Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) - We are one step closer to getting a casino in Chicago, and we now have an idea of what it could look like. The city has five proposals on the table from three companies. Each of the bidders on Thursday showed off what their casino would look like, and outlined the benefits they would bring to Chicago. Illinois COVID-19 Cases Hit…

Sports ・ 17 December 2021

Chicago Sun Times

5 Chicago casino developers make public presentations

Breathtaking skyline views, luxury suites, thousands of slot machines - and even an "Eiffel Tower for Chicago." A full house of casino developers put it all on the table Wednesday in the latest round of Chicago's long game to open a big-city gambling mecca, making their pitches in the first round of public presentations to win Mayor Lori…

Land-based ・ 17 December 2021

Block Club Chicago

If A Chicago Casino Opens Near Chinatown, Community Members Say Problem Gamblers Need Support

CHINATOWN - Chinatown leaders are raising concerns that four of the city's proposed casino sites are in Near South Side neighborhoods, saying it could harm a community that has struggled with problem gambling. The bids, announced Nov. 19, include the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center in the West Loop, two sites at McCormick Place, ONE Central in…

Gambling Addiction ・ 15 December 2021

WGN 9

Homewood/East Hazel Crest wins bid for south suburban casino

The Illinois Gaming Board has selected a proposal from the combined villages of East Hazel Crest and Homewood that will likely bring a new casino in the south suburbs. Last month, a WGN Cover Story reported how the bidding war was down to East Hazel Crest/Homewood and Matteson. According to the Chicago Tribune, the decision by state gaming…

Jobs ・ 09 December 2021

Patch

Full House Resorts Endorsed For Waukegan Casino By Gambling Board

WAUKEGAN, IL - State gambling regulators have picked a publicly traded Las Vegas-based casino operator to develop a casino in Waukegan. The Illinois Gaming Board on Tuesday selected Full House Resorts as the finalist for a gambling license and made a "finding of preliminary suitability" for licensure. The board favored Full House's plan for a…

Travel ・ 09 December 2021

Block Club Chicago

Here's What Chicago's Casino Could Look Like

CHICAGO - City officials unveiled the five finalist casino proposals Friday, giving Chicagoans a first look at what the city's first casino could look like. The five casinos are being proposed for the Chicago Tribune printing site, the old Michael Reese site, near McCormick Place, at the One Central development near Solider Field and in the The…

Sports ・ 06 December 2021

WBEZ Chicago

Chicago casino draft plans

Chicago residents will soon have a chance to weigh in on the city's massive plan to build a casino-resort and entertainment space at one of five proposed locations, officials said Friday. The city plans to hold its first public hearing on Dec.16 for residents to question the three firms behind the five pitches received last month. For now, the city…

Land-based ・ 26 November 2021

Chicago Tribune

Chicago casino site could be selected in ‘early 2022’

Chicago officials Friday laid out a process of community input and quick City Council approval of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's preferred casino plan, saying all five bids are on equal footing despite community opposition to one and questions about state financing for another. Lightfoot plans to select the operator and location of a Chicago casino in…

Land-based ・ 23 November 2021

US Bets

Bally's Hopes Bronzeville Casino Becomes Gold-Star Destination

Sports ・ 23 November 2021

Chicago Sun Times

Handicapping Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s picks for the Chicago casino

As city officials dig into the five competing proposals for a new Chicago casino, they will walk into a squall of numbers and promises. The cost estimates for each mega-complex range from $1.3 billion to $2 billion. Most foresee hundreds of hotel rooms, and some tantalize decision-makers with talk of advance payments to city coffers if awarded the…

Land-based ・ 23 November 2021

CBS Chicago

Lightfoot’s Office Unveils Five Bids For A Chicago Casino; Public Meeting On Proposals Set For Dec. 16

CHICAGO (CBS) - City officials on Friday officially unveiled the five competing bids to run Chicago's casino, as the evaluation process continues with an eye to select a plan to present to the City Council for approval early next year. The city is planning a public meeting next month for bidders to present their plans to the public and take…

Christmas ・ 23 November 2021

Gambling Insider

Bally's, Hard Rock and more: Chicago receives five proposals for first casino-resort

The City of Chicago has released a summary of five proposals it has received through its RFP (Request for Proposal) process, to create the city's first casino-resort. The selected bidder will be able to incorporate its property into the city's cultural scene and diversified economy. Bally's first proposal consisted of a $1.8bn property in the…

Cricket ・ 23 November 2021

Yogonet

Rivers Casino Des Plaines hiring 400 positions for property expansion

The operator is seeking candidates in Food and Beverage, Table Games, Slots, Marketing and other roles. The property will open a 78000 square-foot expansion in 2022, which will make the casino the first to have the state's maximum number of 2000 gaming positions when complete. Rivers Casino Des Plaines, jointly owned by Rush Street…

Land-based ・ 12 November 2021

World Casino News

Job opportunities at Rivers Casino Des Plains

In the American state of Illinois and Rivers Casino Des Plaines has announced that it is looking to hire as many as 400 additional employees in advance of premiering a new 78000 sq ft extension in the spring. Opened in July of 2011, the venue co-owned by Rush Street Gaming and Churchill Downs Incorporated used an official Wednesday press release to…

Land-based ・ 11 November 2021

Chicago Tribune

Chicago has five competing casino bids. Here’s what’s proposed.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is looking at five proposals from three firms vying to run Chicago's casino. Now it's almost time for her to show her hand. City officials are sifting through the bids, including one from Hard Rock International that would set the gambling emporium in a massive mixed-use project, One Central, which developers hope to…

Religion ・ 08 November 2021

Chicago Sun Times

Lightfoot sets aggressive timetable for forging ahead on Chicago casino

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Friday she is "very excited" by the five "well thought out" bids she was dealt last week for a Chicago casino and plans to send a "final list to recommend" to the Illinois Gaming Board "sometime in the first quarter" of next year. With police and fire pension funds hovering dangerously close to insolvency and mounting…

Travel ・ 05 November 2021

Chicago Sun Times

McCormick Place Lakeside Center eyed for Chicago casino in one of two Bluhm-backed bids

McCormick Place's Lakeside Center would become the "gem" of a south lakefront entertainment district under a proposal to transform the 50-year-old structure into Chicago's mega-casino. A group of developers who are already behind a $4 billion redevelopment of the former Michael Reese Hospital site near Bronzeville said Wednesday they're ready to go…

Land-based ・ 04 November 2021

Gambling News

Chicago Showered with Proposals as Single Casino License for Grabs

The City of Chicago is not lacking suitors when it comes to casino operators. The sole license that is now up for grabs has elicited some strong and determined action from no fewer than five companies that are pushing to secure an entry that would chart a way for their futures in the city and the region. Bally's Corporation is seemingly ahead in…

Jobs ・ 02 November 2021