An investigation into a waste-hauling services company’s alleged links to organized crime has temporarily paused construction of the new Bally’s Chicago casino.
The Illinois Gaming Board stopped construction after the company began providing dumpster services at the 30-acre site.
“Today we were informed by IGB that the contractors working on the Bally’s Chicago site were utilizing an unapproved vendor and were issued a stop work notice,” a Bally’s spokesperson told the Chicago Tribune. “We appreciate the diligence and action of IGB. This is the process at work. We look forward to working with the IGB to eliminate the possibility of it happening again.”
IGB Investigating Situation
The IGB is now probing the situation and “will take appropriate action to maintain integrity and safety following the completion of the investigation.”
The company in question, D&P Construction, was also used by the proposed Emerald Casino in Rosemont in 2005. That project saw the gaming company’s license revoked and ultimately went to Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which opened in 2011.
It is unknown how the work stoppage will affect Bally’s timeline for opening the property, and the company might incur any punishment from the gaming board.
“It is too early to determine or speculate about potential discipline,” the IGB noted. “As a general matter, violations of IGB Rules – including the disclosure and pre-approval requirements at issue here – could result in discipline including a fine or other actions.”
The IGB said the dumpsters have since been removed from the Bally’s site.
The $1.7 billion casino project has seen several issues since Bally’s won the bid to construct the property in 2022. In December 2023, the bidding process faced investigations over financing issues and alleged conflicts of interest among some involved, representing the city.
The company also had to move the planned hotel’s location in January 2024 to avoid damaging critical water lines under the new property’s site. Bally’s, which has been operating a temporary casino in Chicago since 2023, was also forced to stop construction for a month in December after debris from the project spilled into the Chicago River.
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