#River North

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

US Bets

Illinois Rep. Gonzalez's Internet Casino Gaming Bill In Committee

The Illinois legislature will ponder online casino gaming in this year's General Assembly after State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez's House Bill 2239 was assigned to the House Gaming Committee last week. Gonzalez's bill, originally filed last year and failed to make it beyond first reading, is the companion to Senate Bill 1656 filed by Sen. Cristina Castro…

Sports ・ 06 February 2024

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Bally's Chicago Casino Posts $7.6M In November Revenue

The Illinois Gaming Board reported Thursday that Bally's temporary casino in downtown Chicago generated $7.6 million in adjusted gross revenue in November, a figure that was practically flat compared to its first full month of wagering in October. Bally's separately pointed out its gross gaming revenue for November was $8.9 million, noting what it…

Finance ・ 17 January 2024

Chicago Sun Times

Bally’s Chicago casino sees average daily revenue drop over first full month of operation

With the betting window closed on the first full month of operation at Bally's temporary casino, the Medinah Temple site raked in more than $7.6 million in October, a 12% decline in average daily revenue compared to its first few weeks. The latest monthly cash count announced Wednesday by regulators at the Illinois Gaming Board put the River North…

Finance ・ 09 November 2023

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

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Bally's Gets Extension To Operate Temporary Casino In Chicago

Bally's was granted a 12-month extension to conduct casino gaming at its temporary venue at Medinah Temple in Chicago by the Illinois Gaming Board on Tuesday, widening its timetable to open its permanent venue in the River West neighborhood to September 2026. The board's 3-0 vote followed a presentation by Bally's Vice President and General Manager…

Law ・ 27 October 2023

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago casino will mean more gambling addiction, experts say

It's usually a 50-minute drive from Darren G.'s condo in the South Loop to Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Getting to the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, would take about half an hour. Darren hasn't made a trip either way in almost six years, but every now and then he'll pull up the routes on his phone, taking comfort in the inconvenience of…

Gambling Addiction ・ 18 October 2023

Yogonet

Bally’s temporary Chicago casino at Medinah Temple rakes in nearly $7 million in first three weeks

Bally's temporary casino at the Medinah Temple, Chicago has reported its figures for its soft launch period, from its Sept. 9 opening through Sept. 30, amassing close to $7 million in revenue during its initial three weeks of operation. The Illinois Gaming Board released the figures, providing insights into how the River North casino performed…

Finance ・ 11 October 2023

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

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ABC 7 Chicago

Ribbon cutting held for temporary Bally's Casino Chicago at Medinah Temple in River North

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 5:15PM CHICAGO (WLS) -- Bally's Casino hosted an official ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday morning, marking the historic opening of the city's first and only casino. Company leaders and elected officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, were celebrating what they hope will be the beginning of a long and fruitful…

Finance ・ 04 October 2023

Illinois Times

Southern Illinois casino opens

Gov. JB Pritzker joined hundreds of people from across southern Illinois Aug. 25 to celebrate the opening of the state's 14th casino on a rural estate just outside of Carterville, near Carbondale. The Walker's Bluff Casino Resort is the fourth casino to open in recent years that was authorized by a 2019 gambling expansion law that was a centerpiece…

Travel ・ 01 October 2023

Block Club Chicago

Man Shot Near New Bally's Casino In River North

RIVER NORTH - A man was shot near Chicago's first casino just two days after its grand opening. A 21-year-old man was shot around 2:47 a.m. Monday in the 600 block of North State Street, police said. The man was walking on a sidewalk when someone fired shots from a silver Dodge pickup truck, police said. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in…

Incidents ・ 11 September 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

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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

US Bets

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

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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

Chicago Sun Times

Bally’s Medinah Temple temporary casino landlord Albert Friedman will hit $20 million jackpot under 4-year lease

Chicago's first casino has yet to open to the public, but someone already has hit a jackpot topping $20 million. It's Albert M. Friedman, the clout-heavy developer whose tenants have included three mayors - Brandon Johnson, Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel. Friedman owns the historic but long-vacant Medinah Temple building about a mile north of City…

Finance ・ 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

chicagodefender.com

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

Block Club Chicago

Feeling Lucky? Chicago's First Casino Could Open This Weekend In River North

RIVER NORTH - The city's first casino could open as early as Saturday if all goes well during a dry run of the temporary site this week. Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., was chosen as the site for Bally's temporary casino last year and will operate for two years, with an option to extend for another 12 months, while a permanent casino is being…

Incidents ・ 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

Chicago Tribune

Want to snag an effective tax cut? Stay out of casinos.

When riverboat casinos first opened in Illinois in the early 1990s, the state's most powerful politicians were conspicuous by their absence. The lure of government money flowing from gamblers had proved too much to resist, but no politician wanted to be photographed dropping coins into a slot machine. There were no speeches in front of the…

Travel ・ 03 September 2023

News Bug

Southern Illinois casino opens, sends $25 million to the state

CARTERVILLE - Gov. JB Pritzker joined hundreds of people from across southern Illinois on Friday to celebrate the opening of the state's 14th casino on a rural estate just outside of Carterville. The Walker's Bluff Casino Resort is the fourth casino to open in recent years that was authorized by a 2019 gambling expansion law that was a centerpiece…

Travel ・ 30 August 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

The State Journal - Register

Walker's Bluff Casino Resort opens in Southern Illinois

CARTERVILLE - Gov. JB Pritzker joined hundreds of people from across southern Illinois on Friday to celebrate the opening of the state's 14th casino on a rural estate just outside of Carterville. The Walker's Bluff Casino Resort is the fourth casino to open in recent years that was authorized by a 2019 gambling expansion law that was a centerpiece…

Travel ・ 26 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

Block Club Chicago

Bally's Temporary Casino At Medinah Temple Could Open Sooner Than You Think

DOWNTOWN - Work to convert a beloved Chicago landmark into a temporary world-class casino is nearing completion as Bally's prepares to open in Medinah Temple later this summer. Casino officials took several media outlets on a tour of the facility at 600 N. Wabash Ave. Tuesday, where slot machines and gaming tables scattered across three levels…

Industry ・ 19 July 2023

World Casino News

Wind Creek Casino Opening Sees Delay, Now Scheduled for 2025

The long-expected Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino won't be opened anytime soon, according to the newest information. Bally's - new competition: It isn't good news for the audience and owners of the casino, but the four Northwest Indiana casinos are satisfied with the delay since they'll continue to operate without new competition for a while.…

Land-based ・ 06 July 2023

US Bets

Illinois Finds Bally's Preliminarily Suitable For Chicago Casino

The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously voted Bally's "preliminarily suitable" at its Thursday meeting, a key step forward for the gaming company to build its $1.7 billion casino in the River West neighborhood of Chicago. The favorable vote was expected after the IGB had approved smaller related measures, including supplier contracts, as Bally's has…

Finance ・ 03 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 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

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

US Bets

Full House Resorts To Open Its 'Temporary' Casino In Illinois

Full House Resorts has announced Friday night as the opening of its temporary casino in Illinois, aptly named The Temporary by American Place. The Temporary is located in Waukegan, approximately 40 miles north of Chicago and less than 20 miles from the Wisconsin state line. Waukegan was one of six locations awarded a casino license in the 2019…

Sports ・ 21 February 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

US Bets

Illinois Casinos Post $114.4 Million Revenue In December

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) reported casino revenue totaling $114.4 million for the month of December, as the gaming discipline generated $290 million in state tax revenue for the 2022 calendar year. Overall, the state's 11 venues generated $1.35 billion in operator revenue in 2022, an increase of 13.6% compared to the $1.19 billion generated…

Finance ・ 10 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

WTTW

Chicago Officials Give Final Approval to Bally’s Casino Complex in River West

The Chicago City Council voted 39-5 to approve plans to transform the home of the Chicago Tribune's printing plant and newsroom into a $1.74 billion Bally's casino and resort on 30 acres in River West. The proposal still needs the support of the Illinois Gaming Board, which must license Bally's to operate the casino before work can begin along the…

Travel ・ 15 December 2022

Block Club Chicago

Final Details In Chicago Casino Plan Approved By Council

RIVER WEST - Alderpeople gave final zoning approval to the proposed Chicago casino district Wednesday, the latest step in the development's path forward as it seeks a gambling license from the state of Illinois. The planned casino is set to be built on the Tribune Publishing site along the Chicago River between Grand and Chicago avenues. The first…

Law ・ 14 December 2022

WTTW

Bally’s Casino Complex Proposal Set for Final Vote by Chicago City Council

Joining "Chicago Tonight" to discuss upcoming City Council votes are Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward), Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) and Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th Ward). (Produced by Alexandra Silets) Efforts to transform the home of the Chicago Tribune's printing plant and newsroom into a $1.74 billion Bally's casino and resort is one step…

Travel ・ 14 December 2022

Telegraph Herald

Chicago casino won’t be a ‘glitzy Las Vegas strip joint’ but a ‘series of experiences,’ developers say

CHICAGO - Plans to build a permanent casino and entertainment district in Chicago's River West continue to evolve based on feedback from residents, Bally's officials said at a community engagement meeting for the project Monday evening. As outlined Monday, the design now includes more greenspace and an additional road connections into the…

Land-based ・ 11 December 2022

Chicago Tribune

Chicago casino not a ‘glitzy Las Vegas strip joint': developer

Plans to build a permanent casino and entertainment district in Chicago's River West continue to evolve based on feedback from residents, Bally's officials said at a community engagement meeting for the project Monday evening. As outlined Monday, the design now includes more greenspace and an additional road connections into the riverfront district…

Land-based ・ 06 December 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

Chicago Tribune

Chicago's entry into casino game not deterring suburban sites

After years of delays, the fading casino gambling industry in Illinois is pushing for a comeback - not only by building six new casinos statewide, but replacing existing riverboats with new land-based resorts in Aurora and Joliet. Despite a gigantic casino planned for Chicago, the suburban casinos are betting that they cannot only compete but…

Games ・ 31 October 2022

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ABC 7 Chicago

Casino Chicago: Medinah Temple plan won't have big impact on River North traffic, report says; Ald. Brendan Reilly dismisses it

CHICAGO -- Consultants hired by Bally's Corp. say the gambling company's temporary casino in the landmark Medinah Temple won't create the River North gridlock that opponents have warned of when it opens next year, but a local alderperson vehemently against the plan dismissed their traffic study as "seriously flawed." The report commissioned by…

Mobile ・ 03 October 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Medinah Temple casino won’t create River North traffic nightmare, Bally’s says

Consultants hired by Bally's Corp. say the gambling company's temporary casino in the landmark Medinah Temple won't create the River North gridlock that opponents have warned of when it opens next year, but a local alderperson vehemently against the plan dismissed their traffic study as "seriously flawed." The report commissioned by Bally's - Mayor…

Mobile ・ 01 October 2022

Chicago Tribune

Love Chicago? You likely give thumbs-up to the casino plan

When Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that she had selected the only North Side option for the city's first casino, she riled many aldermen, especially those who had hoped for a different location. But most Cook County residents, it turns out, are A-OK with her choice. Time will tell whether Lightfoot's casino pays off in jobs and economic growth,…

Strategy Guide ・ 26 August 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Before we get a Chicago casino, let’s protect families from gambling addiction

If things go as planned for Bally's, which wants to build Chicago's first casino, Chicagoans will be able to gamble away their paychecks as early as next summer. While many of our politicians tout the economic benefits to the city, there are some who share my concern that no benefit should come at the expense of families and children. Bally's…

Gambling Addiction ・ 23 August 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

ABC 7 Chicago

Casino Chicago: Bally's play for long-awaited location at Halsted, Chicago in River West now up to IL regulators

CHICAGO -- State gambling regulators now hold the cards in Chicago's casino game. Bally's Corporation on Wednesday filed its application with the Illinois Gaming Board seeking approval of its plan for a $1.7 billion riverfront casino-resort at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. It's the latest step toward breaking ground on the massive…

Travel ・ 12 August 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Bally’s files Illinois Gaming Board application for Chicago casino

State gambling regulators now hold the cards in Chicago's casino game. Bally's Corporation on Wednesday filed its application with the Illinois Gaming Board seeking approval of its plan for a $1.7 billion riverfront casino-resort at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. It's the latest step toward breaking ground on the massive entertainment complex…

Travel ・ 11 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

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

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago City Council approves Bally’s $1.7 billion casino in River West

Chicago's 30-year quest for a casino and entertainment complex is drawing to a close, amid hopes it will produce the jackpot needed to bail out police and fire pension funds. Less than three weeks after Mayor Lori Lightfoot put her chips on Bally's $1.7 billion River West bid, the City Council authorized Bally's to build a permanent casino at…

Law ・ 25 May 2022

Chicago Reader

Who's left out of the casino?

On Wednesday, the city council approved a plan to offer Chicago's sole casino license to Bally's Corporation, 41 - 7, with one recusal. Alderpersons Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), Anthony Beale (9th), Ed Burke (14th), Ray Lopez (15th), Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), Brendan Reilly (42nd), and Michele Smith (43rd) voted against the proposal. Alderperson…

Land-based ・ 25 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

WBEZ Chicago

Chicago’s City Council moves forward on casino

Chicago's City Council is doing parliamentary backflips to vote on a casino this week - a timeline requested by Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Aldermen on a special committee Monday voted 27 to 3 to advance Lightfoot's pick for Chicago's first casino, setting it up for a final vote on Wednesday. Aldermen had to meet for a full council meeting in the…

Jobs ・ 23 May 2022

Chicago Sun Times

$1.7B Bally’s Chicago casino clears key hurdle in City Council

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's race to secure $40 million in upfront payments from Bally's to keep police and fire pensions solvent and stave off a pre-election property tax increase cleared a key hurdle Monday with committee approval of a long-sought Chicago casino. Thanks to the lobbying muscle of organized labor, a special City Council committee stacked…

Trust and Safety ・ 23 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

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

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

NBC Chicago

Photos: See What The Proposed Bally’s Casino in Chicago’s River North Will Look Like

According to a press release from Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office Thursday, Bally's Corporation is officially the winner of the city of Chicago's only casino license. After months of proposals, public comment, and strong opposition from some neighborhood groups, it beat out two other Bids: a proposed Hard Rock casino just west of Soldier Field, and…

Travel ・ 06 May 2022

Chicago Sun Times

Chicago casino: Lightfoot picks Bally’s proposal at Tribune printing plant site

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is betting big on Bally's. Lightfoot on Thursday confirmed the East Coast gambling company as her pick to run the city's coveted casino at the busy River West site of the Chicago Tribune's Freedom Center printing plant. The mayor's choice for the house of chance, first reported Tuesday by the Chicago Sun-Times, marks an upset…

Land-based ・ 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

Block Club Chicago

Chicago Casino Plans Rejected By All 3 Alderpeople Who Represent Potential Sites

RIVER WEST - Chicago is making grand plans to open a world-class casino - but none of the alderpeople who represent the potential sites want a gambling mecca in their ward. Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) is the latest alderperson to say he doesn't want a casino as Bally's is lobbying to open at the Tribune Publishing site in his ward. Burnett's…

Travel ・ 21 April 2022

WTTW

‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Proposed Casino Sites

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is betting on a casino for the city of Chicago by 2025, with three finalists on the table, but not everyone is on the same page. Bally's It would have 3400 slots and 173 table games as well as a 500-room hotel in the River West neighborhood. According to Brian Israel, president of the River North Residents Association, "They…

Covid ・ 15 April 2022

Yogonet

Hard Rock kickstarts Chicago casino project's public hearings, denies ties to larger ONE Central development

Hard Rock was the first of the three finalist Chicago casino bidders to publicly present its project on Tuesday, in the process to win the city's sole casino license. Along with the other two contenders, Bally's and Rush Street Gaming's Rivers 78, the operators will try to win over nearby residents on the idea their casinos won't disrupt daily life…

Travel ・ 11 April 2022

Yogonet

Bally's pitches Chicago casino project, highlights traffic solutions to address local neighbors' concerns

Bally's Corporation on Wednesday became the second of the three finalist Chicago casino bidders to present its proposal in a public meeting, as part of the process to win the city's sole casino license. Hard Rock was the first Tuesday, as reported by Yogonet, and next up is Rush Street Gaming' s Rivers 78, scheduled for tonight. Bally's River…

Mobile ・ 07 April 2022

Crain's Complete Business

Bally's casino proposal on Tribune Publishing site gets pushback in public hearing

Amid vocal opposition, the backers of Bally's casino proposal at the Tribune Publishing site along the Chicago River argued Wednesday night their plan would decrease traffic and increase public space over what is already permitted to be built at the site. The $1.74 billion casino and hotel along the North Branch of the Chicago River, between…

Sports ・ 07 April 2022

Yogonet

Hard Rock kickstarts Chicago casino project's public meetings, denies ties to larger ONE Central development

Hard Rock was the first of the three finalist Chicago casino bidders to publicly present its project on Tuesday, in the process to win the city's sole casino license. Along with the other two contenders, Bally's and Rush Street Gaming's Rivers 78, the operators will try to win over nearby residents on the idea their casinos won't disrupt daily life…

Travel ・ 06 April 2022

Crain's Complete Business

Chicago casino bidders get grilled in first public hearing

The first of three high-stakes meetings for the finalists hoping to win Chicago's sole casino license kicked off Tuesday as Hard Rock Chicago tried to convince a skeptical audience its proposal wasn't tethered to a larger development in need of $6.5 billion in state assistance. The meetings represent an opportunity for Hard Rock, Bally's and Rivers…

Travel ・ 06 April 2022

Patch

City Hall Narrows Field For Chicago Casino To Three Locations

CHICAGO - City Hall narrowed the field of bidders looking to develop Chicago's only casino to three. None of them include building a mega-gaming parlor at McCormick Place. On Tuesday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that pitches from Bally's Corp., Hard Rock and Rivers Casino made the city's short list. The finalists include: Bally's Corporation has…

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