Casino Delays Development over Disagreement with Chicago Council
Bally's says the pause affects hotels, restaurants and an events center while the permanent casino stays on track for an early 2027 opening.
- On Saturday, Bally's notified the Chicago Community Builders Collective that it is "resetting the pace of construction" on non-gaming amenities, putting 1,500 union workers on hiatus at the $1.7 billion River West casino complex.
- Bally's claims the city's push for video gambling terminals violates the Host Community Agreement, stating the expansion creates "uncertainty that could be harmful for Bally's Chicago prospects."
- Amid the standoff, sources indicate Bally's plans to withhold a $4 million annual payment due in September, though the permanent casino remains scheduled for early 2027 opening.
- To navigate the dispute, Bally's retained law firm RKF Global, which employs former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, while seeking "more productive discussions with the Mayor's Office and City Council."
- Chicago aldermen authorized video gambling terminal expansion in last year's $16.6 billion budget to address a $6.8 million funding gap, despite opposition from Mayor Brandon Johnson regarding the terminals.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Casino delays development over disagreement with Chicago council - Regional Media News
(The Center Square) - Following threats of lost revenue to Chicago City Council over the approval of video gambling terminals, Bally's Casino has paused construction on multiple projects surrounding its development of the city's only casino. A deal between Bally's Casino and city has been on the books since before Mayor Brandon Johnson took office, with the city projecting $200 million annually in local tax revenue once the project is completed.…
Your Alaska Link
Casino delays development over disagreement with Chicago council
(The Center Square) – Following threats of lost revenue to Chicago City Council over the approval of video gambling terminals, Bally’s Casino has paused construction on multiple projects surrounding its development of the city’s only casino.
Bally’s To Pause Building Parts Of Chicago Casino Project Amid Fight Over Video Gambling Expansion
Construction on some hotel, restaurant and event spaces will stop because Bally’s believes that the move to allow video gambling citywide could undercut revenue from the $1.8 billion development.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
