#River West

The Times Of Northwest Indiana

Chicago casino hits new monthly highs for visitors, revenue

The new casino in downtown Chicago appears to be on a winning streak after recording in February its highest daily attendance and revenue since opening its doors in September. At the same time, Bally's Chicago continues to generate tax receipts well below the sky-high expectations for the city's only legal gaming destination. Data recently released…

Finance ・ 12 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

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

US Bets

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

The Times Of Northwest Indiana

Chicago casino attendance, revenue still below opening month

The new casino in downtown Chicago, after nearly three full months in business, has yet to become the tourist mecca or gambling emporium its supporters hoped it would be. Data released by the Illinois Gaming Board Thursday show November attendance and revenue at Bally's Chicago were relatively unchanged compared to the casino's October…

Finance ・ 08 December 2023

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Chicago Sun Times

Bally’s ‘temporary’ casino will be around awhile, City Council critic says

The stumbling start for Chicago's temporary casino prompted an influential City Council member to warn Thursday that the city may be stuck with the gambling den at Medinah Temple indefinitely. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), chairman of the City Council's Public Safety Committee, said Bally's was undercapitalized to begin with, and he fears the company…

Finance ・ 17 November 2023

US Bets

Illinois Legislature OKs Allowing Extension For Temporary Casino

The Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation that will help the state's gaming board address potential delays in Full House Resorts' construction of the American Place casino in Waukegan. There was some back-and-forth between the House and Senate over Senate Bill 0584 on Thursday before its passage at the close of the veto session. The…

Law ・ 13 November 2023

The Times Of Northwest Indiana

Chicago casino daily attendance, win dips in second month

Has luck already run out for the new casino in downtown Chicago? Data recently released by the Illinois Gaming Board show Bally's Chicago saw fewer people wagering less money on a daily basis in October compared to its partial first month of operations in September. Altogether, Bally's tallied 83113 guests at its Medinah Temple gaming facility in…

Finance ・ 10 November 2023

Card Player

Illinois Proposal May Allow More Time For Temporary Casinos

The term "temporary casino" may be in the eye of the beholder if recent Illinois legislation is approved. Bally's recently unveiled a temporary casino in the city's Medinah Temple with plans to vacate the property after a permanent facility is constructed in three years. However, the state senate passed a bill Oct. 24 allowing temporary casinos…

Finance ・ 10 November 2023

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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

West Island

Bally's Eyes September 2026 to Unveil $1.7B Permanent Casino in Chicago's River West

Bally's has secured the approval from state gambling regulators for a fully-fledged betting license in Chicago. The unanimous decision from the Illinois Gaming Board ushers in a new era for the gaming industry in the city, with Bally's establishing a presence at the soon-to-be-constructed megadevelopment in River West. Bally's temporary casino,…

Law ・ 02 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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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

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

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

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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

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

WTTW

Place Your Bets: Bally’s Will Open Temporary Chicago Casino at Medinah Temple at 8 a.m. Saturday

More than three decades in the making, legalized gambling will make its Chicago debut at 8 a.m. Saturday morning when Bally's opens a temporary casino in River North's Medinah Temple. Chicagoans and tourists feeling lucky can play 800 slot games and 56 table games in the century-old Shriner's temple at 600 N. Wabash Ave., with its distinctive domed…

Law ・ 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

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

casinogamespro.com

Bally’s Could Finally Open Its Temporary Casino in Medinah Temple in a Few Days, Following Delays and Hurdles

Chicago could finally get its temporary casino in a few days. However, even in the eleventh hour before the venue's opening, the planned facility is still getting mixed reviews. Despite all the critics, the casino needs only the state's approval to start operation. There are still some issues that have to be taken care of before the planned casino…

Finance ・ 06 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

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

ABC 7 Chicago

Temporary Chicago casino at Medinah Temple could open its doors in early September

Thursday, August 24, 2023 10:17AM CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago is about to take a step closer to a new Bally's casino. Regulators will inspect operations at a temporary casino at the Medinah Temple at Wabash Avenue and Ohio Street on September 5 and it could open it's doors to the public by September 9, a spokesperson for the Illinois Gaming Board…

Finance ・ 24 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

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

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

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

US Bets

Bally's Temporary Chicago Casino Approved For Supplier Licenses

The first in-person Illinois Gaming Board meeting in more than three years was a relatively low-key affair on Thursday, with the biggest news being Medinah Building and Medinah Holdings being unanimously approved for casino supplier licenses connected to Bally's temporary casino in downtown Chicago. Both licensees are connected to Medinah Temple,…

Finance ・ 10 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

NBC Chicago

Which Neighborhoods is Chicago Proposing to Build a Casino In? Here Are the 3 Possible Locations

The city of Chicago is getting closer to selecting a final location to build a proposed casino, a project that Mayor Lori Lightfoot says would bring in $175-$195 million in projected tax revenue. "The revenue is gonna shore up our police and fire pensions, critically important," Lightfoot said. "It's gonna relieve the burden on our…

Industry ・ 11 January 2023

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

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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

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

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

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

Chicago Tribune

Chicago casino set for final city OK following zoning vote

A first-ever casino in Chicago stands on the brink of city approval Wednesday as council members backed zoning for the project after the alderman of the ward where it would be built toned down his reservations over whether the project would result in enough jobs for minorities and nearby residents. Approval of the $1.74 billion Bally's casino…

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

The Southern Maryland Chronicle

Top 3 Regions to Invest in a Casino Today

Some places have mastered the secret to creating top-notch, successful, and popular casino industries. Making a venue of the highest caliber may be fine art, but how does it all work? A select few places in the world genuinely capture the essence of casino culture, whether they appeal to seasoned poker players or visitors just starting out in the…

Land-based ・ 03 November 2022

Illinois Policy

Illinois to legalize internet gambling, executives predict

Experts predict Illinois could soon legalize internet gambling, allowing residents to bet on virtual casino-style games such as slots and roulette while raising an estimated $273.7 million a year in new tax revenue for the state. An East Coast Gaming Conference panel of executives said Illinois, New York, Indiana and Iowa could all pass iGaming…

Law ・ 21 October 2022

Shaw Local

Eye On Illinois: Gambling expansion a Prairie State inevitability

Fifty years ago, you couldn't buy a lottery ticket in Illinois. Or anywhere, for that matter. Thirty-two years ago, Illinois didn't have a single riverboat casino, and 24 years ago you couldn't wager unless the boat was moving. Ten Septembers ago, video games switched from "for amusement only" to actual gambling terminals. Illinois' first legalized…

Sports ・ 27 September 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

Block Club Chicago

City Receives Bally's $40M Upfront Payment For Chicago's 1st Casino

CHICAGO - The promised ten-figure payment to make Chicago's first casino a reality is in city's coffers. Bally's has paid the $40 million it pledged as part of its pitch for the $1.7 billion riverfront casino and resort at the Tribune Publishing site in River West, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement Thursday. The money, which was a major…

Jobs ・ 16 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

Smart Cities Dive

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

Illinois Policy

Chicago casino revenue doesn’t address 91% of city pension debt

The Chicago City Council approved a $1.7 billion casino in a 41-7 vote May 25. The River West development is being touted as a pension solution, but even the highest projections show only a drop in the bucket. "This one casino project will pay for approximately 9% of our $2.3 billion pension contribution and reduce the likelihood that the city will…

Finance ・ 31 May 2022

Illinois Policy

Chicago’s “pension solution” casino doesn’t address 91% of pension debt

The Chicago City Council approved a $1.7 billion casino in a 41-7 vote May 25. The River West development is being touted as a pension solution, but even the highest projections show only a drop in the bucket. "This one casino project will pay for approximately 9% of our $2.3 billion pension contribution and reduce the likelihood that the city will…

Lottery ・ 31 May 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

World Casino News

American Place temporary casino construction underway

While the progress involving a large Bally's resort casino in River West moves forward, so does the casino planned for Waukegan. American Place is currently under construction and seemingly not concerned about the second Chicago area casinos. Full House Resorts is behind the Waukegan project with senior VP and chief development officer of the…

Travel ・ 27 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

KPVI

City Council endorses Bally's $1.7 billion Chicago casino plan

The Chicago City Council overwhelmingly agreed Wednesday to support a plan by Rhode Island-based Bally's Corp. to construct and operate a $1.7 billion casino, hotel and entertainment facility northwest of the Loop, near the southern tip of Goose Island. The Democratic-controlled council voted 41-7 to endorse Mayor Lori Lightfoot's recommendation…

Politics ・ 25 May 2022

Block Club Chicago

Chicago Casino Approved By City Council After Screaming Match Between Mayor, Alderman

CHICAGO - Chicago's first casino is almost a done deal after City Council approved the plan Wednesday. Bally's plan to build a $1.7 billion riverfront casino and resort at the Tribune Publishing site in River West was approved by a 41-7 vote. Now it heads to the Illinois Gaming Board for final approval. See how your alderperson voted: Wednesday's…

Mobile ・ 25 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

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

US Bets

Illinois Casino Revenue Surges To $122 Million For April

As a vote nears on whether the Chicago City Council will present Bally's to the Illinois Gaming Board as its applicant for a downtown casino license, the state's venues already in play posted revenue gains for a third consecutive month in April, ending up at $122.4 million. The revenue figure is a 15.9% improvement on March's total of $105.7…

Finance ・ 17 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

Times Of Casino

Bally’s Officials Interacting with Residents About Chicago Casino

The news of Bally's Corporation planning a casino and a hotel in the River West of Chicago has grabbed the spotlight. However, it also raised concern among several citizens, which is why the casino officials took a step back and interacted with the citizens. The residents recently got the chance to see the 1.7 billion dollar venue plans. Bally's…

Jobs ・ 13 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

WTTW

Lightfoot’s Casino Pick Not a Done Deal, City Council Members Say

Video: Alderpeople Jeanette Taylor, George Cardenas, Jason Ervin, and Walter Burnett join "Chicago Tonight" to discuss the proposal for a Chicago casino. (Produced by Blair Paddock) Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants the Chicago City Council to go all-in on her decision to tap Bally's to build a casino in River West in two weeks - but several members of…

Politics ・ 11 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

Chicago Tribune

Chicago has a casino deal. Are slot machines at the airports next?

The state law that granted Chicago a casino also bestowed another nugget on its developer: the chance to install slot machines at O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. Mayor Lori Lightfoot's pick for the Chicago casino - a Bally's-run entertainment and gambling complex in River West - was announced at a celebratory news conference…

Travel ・ 07 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

Market Watch

Chicago picks Bally's and riverfront location for $1.7 billion-plus in-town casino

Chicago has picked Bally's BALY, -1.31% to develop and operate the city's first in-town casino, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced late Thursday, saying Bally's was alone among the rival bidders in having secured an agreement with organized labor and had made the strongest financial offer to the city, including of $40 million. The, comprising a…

Industry ・ 06 May 2022

Chicago Tribune

A casino for River West gets Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s nod. What’s in the plan and what happens next?

After a 30-year effort, Chicago has a casino deal on the table. Here's a look at what the proposal includes, what is expected to happen next and when a printing plant could be replaced with a gambling palace - if nothing derails the plans. The entertainment complex's plans include a 500-room hotel tower, a 3000-seat theater, an outdoor music venue…

Jobs ・ 06 May 2022