Bally’s announced this week that the opening of its permanent Chicago casino could be delayed another year.
The news came after state Rep. Kam Buckner (D) introduced a bill allowing for Bally’s temporary casino to continue operating in Medinah Temple in the River North area for an additional six months. The company’s license currently allows the temporary casino to operate only through September.
The bill also includes the option for more extensions, which could push the opening to the second half of 2027.
“Bally’s Chicago acknowledges the introduction of legislation authorizing an extension of gaming operations at its temporary Medinah Temple location for an additional six months, with an option for two additional three-month extensions while construction of the permanent Bally’s Chicago facility is completed,” Bally’s Senior VP of Corporate Development Christopher Jewett told WGN.
“This action provides operational certainty and allows Bally’s Chicago to remain fully compliant with its Host Community Agreement with the city of Chicago, ensuring uninterrupted service for guests, continued employment for team members, and ongoing economic contributions to the city.”
Bally’s Recently Awarded NYC Gaming License
The Illinois Gaming Board originally granted Bally’s temporary Chicago casino a two-year license then extended it another year. Without the legislation, the temporary casino, which opened in September of 2023, wouldn’t have a license to operate past September.
In December, the company released artist renderings of what Chicago gamblers can expect from the permanent casino. The preview included a look at the new poker room. The $1.7 billion project will include a 35-story hotel tower, dining options, event center, spa, and a public park.
The project has seen other delays over the last few years. A waste-hauling services company’s alleged links to organized crime delayed construction in May. The location of the hotel tower also had to be moved in January 2024 to avoid damaging critical water lines located under the site.
Along with building the Chicago casino, Bally’s was recently awarded one of three downstate New York casino licenses.
