Bally’s announced this week that the opening of its permanent Chicago casino could be postponed by another year.
The news comes after state Rep. Kam Buckner (D) introduced legislation allowing Bally’s temporary casino to continue operating at Medinah Temple in River North for an additional six months. The bill also permits further extensions, which could push the opening of the permanent facility into the latter 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,” said Christopher Jewett, Bally’s Senior VP of Corporate Development, in a statement to 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.”
Temporary License and Project Details
The Illinois Gaming Board initially granted Bally’s a two-year temporary license for the Chicago casino, which was extended for another year. Without the new legislation, the temporary casino—opened in September 2023—would lose its license this September.
In December, Bally’s unveiled artist renderings of the permanent casino, giving a glimpse of the new poker room. The $1.7 billion project will feature a 35-story hotel tower, dining venues, an event center, a spa, and a public park.
The project has faced multiple setbacks, including construction delays linked to a waste-hauling company’s alleged ties to organized crime and the relocation of the hotel tower in January 2024 to avoid damage to critical underground water lines.
In addition to its Chicago development, Bally’s was recently awarded one of three downstate New York casino licenses, further expanding its gaming footprint in the region.
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