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{{Short description|Proposed casino in Chicago, IL.}}
{{Short description|Proposed casino in Chicago, IL.}}
{{Infobox Casino
{{Infobox Casino
| casino=Bally's Chicago
| casino = Bally's Chicago
| location=[[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]
| location = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], [[U.S.]]
| address=777 W. Chicago Ave
| address = 777 W. Chicago Ave
|coordinates ={{coord|41.8952774|-87.6458309|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|41|53|43|N|87|38|45|W|display=inline,title}}
| logo=Bally's logo.svg
| logo = Bally's Chicago logo.png
| logo_size=
| logo_size =
| image=Bally's Chicago rendering.jpg
| image = Bally's Chicago rendering.jpg
| image_size=
| image_size =
| image_caption=A rendering of the casino resort
| image_caption = A rendering of the casino resort
| theme=[[Modernism]]
| theme = [[Modernism]]
| rooms= Estimated 500<ref name=propose/>
| rooms = Estimated 500<ref name = propose/>
| date_opened= 2026
| date_opened = {{start date and age|2026}}
| date_closed=
| date_closed =
| shows=
| shows =
| space_gaming=
| space_gaming =
| attractions= [[Chicago River]]
| attractions = [[Chicago River]]
| notable_restaurants=
| notable_restaurants =
⚫
| owner = [[Bally's Corporation]]<br>Community Investment Programs

⚫
| license_holder =
⚫
| owner=[[Bally's Corporation]]
⚫
| casino_type = Land-based
⚫
| license_holder=
| renovations =
⚫
| casino_type=Land-based
| renovations=
| names_pre =
| website = {{URL|https://casinos.ballys.com/chicago/}}
| names_pre=
| website=
}}
}}
'''Bally's Chicago''' is a proposed [[casino resort]] that will be built in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], the [[United States]]. In May 2022, [[Mayor of Chicago|Mayor]] [[Lori Lightfoot]] approved [[Bally's Corporation]]'s bid to construct a casino complex in the city. The complex will be located in the city's [[River West, Chicago|River West neighborhood]] on the bank of the [[Chicago River]]. The proposal still has to go through the [[Chicago City Council|city council]] and gaming board approval in order for construction to begin.
'''Bally's Chicago''' is a casino and entertainment venue temporarily located in the [[Medinah Temple|Medinah Temple Building]], and a planned [[casino resort]] that will be built on the North Branch of the [[Chicago River]] in [[Chicago]]. In May 2022, then Mayor [[Lori Lightfoot]] approved [[Bally's Corporation]]'s bid to construct a casino complex in the city. The complex will be in the city's [[River West, Chicago|River West]] neighborhood, near [[Grand Avenue (Chicago)|Grand Avenue]], [[Chicago Avenue (Chicago)|Chicago Avenue]] and [[Halsted Street (Chicago)|Halsted Street]]. The plan was approved by the [[Chicago City Council]] in May 2022, and a State of [[Illinois]] gambling licence was issued in 2023. The resort is expected to begin construction in 2024, and open in 2026.<ref name=Kugler>{{Cite web |last=Kugler |first=Lukas |date=2023-10-30 |title=Illinois Gaming Board grants Bally’s permanent casino license |url=https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/illinois-gaming-board-grants-ballys-permanent-casino-license |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Urbanize Chicago |language=en}}</ref> Demolition of the old structure began in August 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Demolition begins for new Bally's casino at former Tribune publishing site - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/demolition-begins-for-new-ballys-casino-at-former-tribune-publishing-site/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==
{{more|Proposed Chicago casino}}
{{more|Proposed Chicago casino}}
In the [[2019 Chicago mayoral election|2019 mayoral election]], the topic of constructing a casino in the city was a main subject to then-mayoral candidates [[Lori Lightfoot]] and [[Toni Preckwinkle]] with both singling their approval for the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://interactive.wbez.org/2019/runoff-questionnaire/|title=20 Questions With Chicago's Two Mayoral Candidates|publisher=WBEZ|accessdate=May 5, 2022}}</ref> The prospect of a casino location in Chicago predated the election with [[Illinois]] overseeing construction of gambling locations in areas outside of Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://interactive.wbez.org/il-gambling/|title=How Illinois Bet On Video Gambling And Lost|publisher=WBEZ|accessdate=May 5, 2022}}</ref>
In the [[2019 Chicago mayoral election|2019 mayoral election]], the topic of constructing a casino in the city was a main subject to then-mayoral candidates [[Lori Lightfoot]] and [[Toni Preckwinkle]] with both signaling their approval for the project.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://interactive.wbez.org/2019/runoff-questionnaire/ |title=20 Questions With Chicago's Two Mayoral Candidates |publisher=WBEZ |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030734/https://interactive.wbez.org/2019/runoff-questionnaire/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The prospect of a casino location in Chicago predated the election with [[Illinois]] overseeing construction of gambling locations in areas outside of Chicago.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://interactive.wbez.org/il-gambling/ |title=How Illinois Bet On Video Gambling And Lost |publisher=WBEZ |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129033136/https://interactive.wbez.org/il-gambling/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Legislation expanding [[gambling]] in Illinois was passed by the state legislature at the start of June 2019 and signed by [[Governor of Illinois|Governor]] [[J. B. Pritzker]].<ref name=pritzker>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-gambling-construction-bills-gas-tax-signed-20190628-inux5umelbewje5zzdrpphz3ze-story.html|title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs bills that ignite $45 billion construction program, massive gambling expansion and doubling of gas tax|last1=Munks|first1=Jamie|date=June 28, 2019|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 11, 2019|last2=Petrella|first2=Dan}}</ref> However this bill did not approve the construction of a casino.<ref name=pritzker/> Shortly afterwards, Lightfoot announced that the city would commence study of where a Chicago [[casino]] would be located.<ref name=casino1>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=John |title=Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Chicago casino: Big win, up next a study to decide where to put it |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-mayor-lori-lightfoot-chicago-casino-20190603-story.html |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=4 June 2019 |date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604025300/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-mayor-lori-lightfoot-chicago-casino-20190603-story.html |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Lightfoot's predecessors had long sought to obtain a casino for the city.<ref name=casino1/>
Legislation expanding [[gambling]] in Illinois was passed by the state legislature at the start of June 2019 and signed by [[Governor of Illinois|Governor]] [[J. B. Pritzker]].<ref name=pritzker>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-gambling-construction-bills-gas-tax-signed-20190628-inux5umelbewje5zzdrpphz3ze-story.html |title=Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs bills that ignite $45 billion construction program, massive gambling expansion and doubling of gas tax |last1=Munks |first1=Jamie |date=June 28, 2019 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=July 11, 2019 |last2=Petrella |first2=Dan |archive-date=July 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710115047/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-jb-pritzker-gambling-construction-bills-gas-tax-signed-20190628-inux5umelbewje5zzdrpphz3ze-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However this bill did not approve the construction of a casino.<ref name=pritzker/> Shortly afterwards, Lightfoot announced that the city would commence the study of where a Chicago [[casino]] would be located.<ref name=casino1>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=John |title=Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Chicago casino: Big win, up next a study to decide where to put it |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-mayor-lori-lightfoot-chicago-casino-20190603-story.html |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=4 June 2019 |date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604025300/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-met-mayor-lori-lightfoot-chicago-casino-20190603-story.html |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lightfoot's predecessors had long sought to obtain a casino for the city.<ref name=casino1/>


In November 2019 a gaming bill proposed by Pritzker failed to be passed in the [[Illinois Legislature]] due to a veto session.<ref name=lightfootstatement/> Lightfoot cited that the bill's failed proposal would not impact the construction plans, however cited that the casino's potential revenue would greatly impact the city's budget and capital bill.<ref name=lightfootstatement>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2019/november/StatementChicagoCasino.html|title=Statement from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot on Chicago Casino|publisher=City of Chicago|accessdate=May 5, 2022|date=November 14, 2022}}</ref> She continued to push, however, for the state to authorize a casino jointly owned by the city and state and with a lesser effective tax rate than the passed legislation specified.<ref name=aheadoffall>{{cite news |last1=Spielman |first1=Fran |title=Lightfoot floats casino, real estate transfer tax plans with Chicago delegation ahead of fall veto session |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/10/14/20914075/chicago-casino-real-estate-transfer-tax-veto-session-lightfoot |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=15 October 2019 |date=14 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015154241/https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/10/14/20914075/chicago-casino-real-estate-transfer-tax-veto-session-lightfoot |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The goal for a casino construction was to establish a $200 million in annual tax revenue from the casino to fund police and firefighter pension funds.<ref name=five/>
In November 2019 a gaming bill proposed by Pritzker failed to be passed in the [[Illinois Legislature]] due to a veto session.<ref name=lightfootstatement/> Lightfoot cited that the bill's failed proposal would not impact the construction plans, however cited that the casino's potential revenue would greatly impact the city's budget and capital bill.<ref name=lightfootstatement>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2019/november/StatementChicagoCasino.html |title=Statement from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot on Chicago Casino |publisher=City of Chicago |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |date=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602124141/https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/mayor/press_room/press_releases/2019/november/StatementChicagoCasino.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She continued to push, however, for the state to authorize a casino jointly owned by the city and state and with a lesser effective tax rate than the passed legislation specified.<ref name=aheadoffall>{{cite news |last1=Spielman |first1=Fran |title=Lightfoot floats casino, real estate transfer tax plans with Chicago delegation ahead of fall veto session |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/10/14/20914075/chicago-casino-real-estate-transfer-tax-veto-session-lightfoot |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=15 October 2019 |date=14 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015154241/https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2019/10/14/20914075/chicago-casino-real-estate-transfer-tax-veto-session-lightfoot |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> The goal for a casino construction was to establish a $200 million in annual tax revenue from the casino to fund police and firefighter pension funds.<ref name=five/>


== Bidding process ==
== Bidding process ==
[[File:Chicago Avenue Bridge from south in 2014.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The casino complex will be constructed alongside the [[Chicago River]] near the Chicago Avenue Bridge (pictured)]]
[[File:Chicago Avenue Bridge from south in 2014.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The casino complex will be constructed alongside the [[Chicago River]] near the Chicago Avenue Bridge (pictured).]]
In April 2021, Lightfoot announced the beginning of the bidding process for the city's "casino-resort".<ref name=propose>{{cite web|url=https://news.wttw.com/2021/04/22/lightfoot-starts-bidding-chicago-casino-resort|title=Lightfoot Starts the Bidding on Chicago’s ‘Casino-Resort’|publisher=WTTW|accessdate=May 5, 2022|date=April 22, 2021}}</ref> She stated that proposals must include plans for a 500-room hotel, meeting space, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.<ref name=propose/>
In April 2021, Lightfoot announced the beginning of the bidding process for the city's "casino-resort".<ref name=propose>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/2021/04/22/lightfoot-starts-bidding-chicago-casino-resort |title=Lightfoot Starts the Bidding on Chicago's 'Casino-Resort' |publisher=WTTW |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |date=April 22, 2021 |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602081547/https://news.wttw.com/2021/04/22/lightfoot-starts-bidding-chicago-casino-resort |url-status=live }}</ref> She stated that proposals must include plans for a 500-room hotel, meeting space, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.<ref name=propose/>


In November 2021, Lightfoot announced the city's top five bids for a Chicago casino.<ref name=five>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-casino-proposals-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-hard-rock-rivers-rush-street-gaming/|title=Lightfoot's Office Unveils Five Bids For A Chicago Casino; Public Meeting On Proposals Set For Dec. 16|publisher=CBS News|accessdate=May 5, 2022|date=November 19, 2021}}</ref> She set a public meeting for the proposals for December 16, 2021.<ref name=five/>
In November 2021, Lightfoot announced the city's top five bids for a Chicago casino.<ref name=five>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-casino-proposals-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-hard-rock-rivers-rush-street-gaming/ |title=Lightfoot's Office Unveils Five Bids For A Chicago Casino; Public Meeting On Proposals Set For Dec. 16 |publisher=CBS News |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |date=November 19, 2021 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505194400/https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-casino-proposals-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-hard-rock-rivers-rush-street-gaming/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She set a public meeting for the proposals for December 16, 2021.<ref name=five/>


In March 2022, the three final bidding proposals were announced. The first was from Rush Street Gaming, which costed [[United States dollar|USD]] $1.62 billion and would be built between the [[South Loop, Chicago|South Loop]] and [[Chinatown, Chicago|Chinatown]] along the [[Chicago River]].<ref name=three/> The second was a USD $1.74 billion proposal from the eventual chosen [[Bally's Corporation]] to build the casino and resort on in the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' [[Freedom Center (Chicago)|printing plant]] in the [[River West, Chicago|River West neighborhood]].<ref name=three/> The final proposal was a $1.74 billion proposal from [[Hard Rock Cafe|Hard Rock]] to build the casino and resort, across from [[Soldier Field]].<ref name=three/>
In March 2022, the three final bidding proposals were announced. The first was from Rush Street Gaming, which would cost US$1.62 billion and would be built between the [[South Loop, Chicago|South Loop]] and [[Chinatown, Chicago|Chinatown]] along the [[Chicago River]].<ref name=three/> The second was a US$1.74 billion proposal from the eventual chosen [[Bally's Corporation]] to build the casino and resort on the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' [[Freedom Center (Chicago)|printing plant]] in the [[River West, Chicago|River West neighborhood]].<ref name=three/> The final proposal was a $1.74 billion proposal from [[Hard Rock Cafe|Hard Rock]] to build the casino and resort, across from [[Soldier Field]].<ref name=three/>


On May 5, 2022, Lightfoot announced that she had selected the bid from the Bally's Corporation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-casino-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-press-conference/11819679/|title=Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces Bally's proposal as final pick for Chicago casino|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=May 5, 2022|date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> The proposal still needs city council approval and Illinois Gaming Board approval.<ref>{{Cite web |title=It’s official: Bally’s casino in River West is Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick for Chicago’s gambling complex — but it’s not a done deal yet |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-casino-ballys-mayor-lightfoot-pick-20220505-tiucrguuwjcnvmzzjjkkli4du4-story.html |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Reaction to the casino selection was controversial with many residents living near the proposed site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=It’s official: Bally’s casino in River West is Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s pick for Chicago’s gambling complex — but it’s not a done deal yet |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-casino-ballys-mayor-lightfoot-pick-20220505-tiucrguuwjcnvmzzjjkkli4du4-story.html |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en}}</ref>
On May 5, 2022, Lightfoot announced that she had selected the bid from the Bally's Corporation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-casino-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-press-conference/11819679/ |title=Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces Bally's proposal as final pick for Chicago casino |publisher=ABC News |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |date=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509181255/https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-casino-mayor-lori-lightfoot-ballys-press-conference/11819679/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The proposal needed city council approval and Illinois Gaming Board approval.<ref>{{Cite web |title=It's official: Bally's casino in River West is Mayor Lori Lightfoot's pick for Chicago's gambling complex — but it's not a done deal yet |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-casino-ballys-mayor-lightfoot-pick-20220505-tiucrguuwjcnvmzzjjkkli4du4-story.html |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505145631/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-casino-ballys-mayor-lightfoot-pick-20220505-tiucrguuwjcnvmzzjjkkli4du4-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Reaction to the casino selection was controversial with many residents living near the proposed site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=It's official: Bally's casino in River West is Mayor Lori Lightfoot's pick for Chicago's gambling complex — but it's not a done deal yet |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-casino-ballys-mayor-lightfoot-pick-20220505-tiucrguuwjcnvmzzjjkkli4du4-story.html |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505145631/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-casino-ballys-mayor-lightfoot-pick-20220505-tiucrguuwjcnvmzzjjkkli4du4-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Casino details ==
== Casino details ==
[[File:Freedom Center from the south 4-1-22.jpg|thumb|[[Freedom Center (Chicago)|Freedom Center]], where the casino complex will be constructed]]
[[File:Freedom Center from the south 4-1-22.jpg|thumb|[[Freedom Center (Chicago)|Freedom Center]], where the casino complex will be constructed]]
When the Bally's Corporation sought their bid, they proposed a $1.6 billion casino and resort, where the current ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' Publishing Center is located. Bally's has the option to buy the 30-acre site.<ref name=temp/> The corporation has a plan to retrofit the former warehouse at the current Tribune plant in order to serve as a temporary casino while the casino is being built.<ref name=temp>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-ballys-chicago-casino-tribune-warehouse-20220407-c75nt3dqhveuxcyvxundfq4j6i-story.html|title=Bally's plans temporary casino at vacant Tribune wharehouse|publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=April 7, 2022|accessdate=May 5, 2022}}</ref>
When the Bally's Corporation sought their bid, they proposed a $1.6 billion casino and resort, where the current ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' Publishing Center is located. Bally's has the option to buy the 30-acre site.<ref name=temp>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-ballys-chicago-casino-tribune-warehouse-20220407-c75nt3dqhveuxcyvxundfq4j6i-story.html |title=Bally's plans temporary casino at vacant Tribune wharehouse |publisher=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=April 7, 2022 |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505002319/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-ballys-chicago-casino-tribune-warehouse-20220407-c75nt3dqhveuxcyvxundfq4j6i-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Bally Corporation and Community Investment Programs are record owners of the resort, and architects, [[Solomon Cordwell Buenz]], will oversee the construction with several additional firms. [[Gensler]] architects will design the casino resort facilities and Solomon Cordwell will design the hotel.<ref name=Kugler/>


The first phase of the process would cost $1 billion, which would include 2,700 [[slot machine]]s, 95 table games, a suite-only hotel, with 100 suites.<ref name=temp2>{{cite web|url=https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/11/new-renderings-and-details-revealed-for-city-casino-bids.html|title=New Renderings And Details Revealed For City Casino Bids|publisher=Chicago IMBY|accessdate=May 5, 2022|date=November 20, 2021}}</ref> There would also be an outdoor music venue with space for 1,000 people. After having a 20% return on investment from phase 1, Bally's would have a $600 million expansion. There would be a total of 4,000 gaming seats with the expansion, a new 400 room hotel, a 3000 seat indoor venue, and a 20,000 sq ft exhibition space.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exec. Summary - Ballys at Tribune.pdf |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yzn8PJtRw_MFjiaQSzoGUcw3Wqb28TvY/view?usp=embed_facebook |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Google Docs}}</ref> The temporary casino will be located at [[Medinah Temple]] at 600 N. Wabash Ave.<ref name=perm>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/photos-see-what-the-proposed-ballys-casino-in-chicagos-river-north-will-look-like/2825078/|title=Photos: See What The Proposed Bally's Casino in Chicago's River North Will Look Like|publisher=NBC Chicago|date=May 5, 2022|accessdate=May 5, 2022}}</ref>
The first phase of the process would cost $1 billion, which would include 2,700 [[slot machine]]s, 95 table games, a suite-only hotel, with 100 suites.<ref name=temp2>{{cite web |url=https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/11/new-renderings-and-details-revealed-for-city-casino-bids.html |title=New Renderings And Details Revealed For City Casino Bids |publisher=Chicago IMBY |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |date=November 20, 2021 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328231347/https://chicagoyimby.com/2021/11/new-renderings-and-details-revealed-for-city-casino-bids.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There would also be an outdoor music venue with space for 1,000 people. After having a 20% return on investment from phase 1, Bally's would have a $600 million expansion. There would be a total of 4,000 gaming seats with the expansion, a new 400 room hotel, a 3000 seat indoor venue, and a 20,000 sq ft exhibition space.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exec. Summary - Ballys at Tribune.pdf |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yzn8PJtRw_MFjiaQSzoGUcw3Wqb28TvY/view?usp=embed_facebook |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=Google Docs |archive-date=2022-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412220433/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yzn8PJtRw_MFjiaQSzoGUcw3Wqb28TvY/view?usp=embed_facebook |url-status=live }}</ref> The temporary casino is located at [[Medinah Temple]] at 600 N. Wabash Ave.<ref name=perm>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/photos-see-what-the-proposed-ballys-casino-in-chicagos-river-north-will-look-like/2825078/ |title=Photos: See What The Proposed Bally's Casino in Chicago's River North Will Look Like |publisher=NBC Chicago |date=May 5, 2022 |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505175910/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/photos-see-what-the-proposed-ballys-casino-in-chicagos-river-north-will-look-like/2825078/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The permanent location will include a 3,000 seat theater, an extension of the [[Chicago Riverwalk]], pedestrian bridge, six restaurants, a food hall, and room for 3,400 slots and 170 game tables.<ref name=perm/>
The permanent location will include a 3,000 seat theater, an extension of the [[Chicago Riverwalk]],a pedestrian bridge, six restaurants, a food hall, and room for 3,400 slots and 173 game tables.<ref name=perm/>


=== Location ===
=== Location ===
A casino location was proposed on the south street of the [[McCormick Place]] near [[Lake Shore Drive]]. This proposal was rejected by the [[Chicago City Council]] in March 2022.<ref name=three>{{cite web|url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/03/22/chicago-s-casino-won-t-be-built-mccormick-place-chicago-officials-announce-3-finalists#:~:text=McCormick%20Place%20Proposals%20Rejected,Shore%20Drive%20and%2031st%20Street.|title=Chicago’s Casino Won’t Be Built at McCormick Place, Officials Announce as 3 Finalists Unveiled|publisher=WTTW|accessdate=May 5, 2022|date=March 22, 2022}}</ref> The [[James R. Thompson Center]] was also discussed as a possible casino venue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/7/19/22583785/thompson-casino-repurposing-cta-letters|title=Turn the Thompson Center into a casino|date=July 19, 2022|accessdate=May 5, 2022}}</ref>
A casino location was proposed on the south street of [[McCormick Place]] near [[Lake Shore Drive]]. This proposal was rejected by the [[Chicago City Council]] in March 2022.<ref name=three>{{cite web |url=https://news.wttw.com/2022/03/22/chicago-s-casino-won-t-be-built-mccormick-place-chicago-officials-announce-3-finalists#:~:text=McCormick%20Place%20Proposals%20Rejected,Shore%20Drive%20and%2031st%20Street. |title=Chicago's Casino Won't Be Built at McCormick Place, Officials Announce as 3 Finalists Unveiled |publisher=WTTW |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |date=March 22, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505194408/https://news.wttw.com/2022/03/22/chicago-s-casino-won-t-be-built-mccormick-place-chicago-officials-announce-3-finalists#:~:text=McCormick%20Place%20Proposals%20Rejected,Shore%20Drive%20and%2031st%20Street. |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[James R. Thompson Center]] was also discussed as a possible casino venue.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/7/19/22583785/thompson-casino-repurposing-cta-letters |title=Turn the Thompson Center into a casino |date=July 19, 2022 |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505194400/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/7/19/22583785/thompson-casino-repurposing-cta-letters |url-status=live }}</ref>


In May 2022, the location of the casino and resort was announced and would be located in the [[River West, Chicago|River West neighborhood]].<ref name=three/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/5/5/23058317/chicago-casino-ballys-lightfoot-selection-river-west-tribune-site|title=Bally’s River West casino proposal gets city nod|publisher=[[The Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=May 5, 2022|accessdate=May 5, 2022}}</ref> The temporary location will open in mid-2023 with the permanent location opening in 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2022/05/05/ballys-corp-chosen-to-build-chicagos-first-casino.html|title=Bally's Corp. chosen to build Chicago's first casino|publisher=Chicago Business Journal|date=May 5, 2022|accessdate=May 19, 2022}}</ref>
In May 2022, the location of the casino and resort was announced and would be located in the [[River West, Chicago|River West neighborhood]].<ref name=three/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/5/5/23058317/chicago-casino-ballys-lightfoot-selection-river-west-tribune-site |title=Bally's River West casino proposal gets city nod |publisher=[[The Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=May 5, 2022 |accessdate=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505144559/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/5/5/23058317/chicago-casino-ballys-lightfoot-selection-river-west-tribune-site |url-status=live }}</ref> The temporary location opened on September 9, 2023, with the permanent location opening in 2026.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2022/05/05/ballys-corp-chosen-to-build-chicagos-first-casino.html |title=Bally's Corp. chosen to build Chicago's first casino |publisher=Chicago Business Journal |date=May 5, 2022 |accessdate=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505204505/https://www.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2022/05/05/ballys-corp-chosen-to-build-chicagos-first-casino.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-09 |title=Bally's gets Gaming Board approval to open temporary casino |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-ballys-chicago-opens-medinah-temple-casino-20230908-cukkxss3uzcaxc7vy4nuijn4gq-story.html |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{official website|https://casinos.ballys.com/chicago/|Bally's Chicago}}


[[Category:Casinos in Illinois]]
[[Category:Casinos in Illinois]]
[[Category:Unbuilt casinos]]

Latest revision as of 17:00, 6 December 2024

Bally's Chicago
A rendering of the casino resort
Location Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Address 777 W. Chicago Ave
Opening date2026; 2 years' time (2026)
ThemeModernism
No. of roomsEstimated 500[1]
Signature attractionsChicago River
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerBally's Corporation
Community Investment Programs
Coordinates41°53′43″N 87°38′45″W / 41.89528°N 87.64583°W / 41.89528; -87.64583
Websitecasinos.ballys.com/chicago/

Bally's Chicago is a casino and entertainment venue temporarily located in the Medinah Temple Building, and a planned casino resort that will be built on the North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago. In May 2022, then Mayor Lori Lightfoot approved Bally's Corporation's bid to construct a casino complex in the city. The complex will be in the city's River West neighborhood, near Grand Avenue, Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. The plan was approved by the Chicago City Council in May 2022, and a State of Illinois gambling licence was issued in 2023. The resort is expected to begin construction in 2024, and open in 2026.[2] Demolition of the old structure began in August 2024.[3]

Background

[edit]
Further information: Proposed Chicago casino

In the 2019 mayoral election, the topic of constructing a casino in the city was a main subject to then-mayoral candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle with both signaling their approval for the project.[4] The prospect of a casino location in Chicago predated the election with Illinois overseeing construction of gambling locations in areas outside of Chicago.[5]

Legislation expanding gambling in Illinois was passed by the state legislature at the start of June 2019 and signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker.[6] However this bill did not approve the construction of a casino.[6] Shortly afterwards, Lightfoot announced that the city would commence the study of where a Chicago casino would be located.[7] Lightfoot's predecessors had long sought to obtain a casino for the city.[7]

In November 2019 a gaming bill proposed by Pritzker failed to be passed in the Illinois Legislature due to a veto session.[8] Lightfoot cited that the bill's failed proposal would not impact the construction plans, however cited that the casino's potential revenue would greatly impact the city's budget and capital bill.[8] She continued to push, however, for the state to authorize a casino jointly owned by the city and state and with a lesser effective tax rate than the passed legislation specified.[9] The goal for a casino construction was to establish a $200 million in annual tax revenue from the casino to fund police and firefighter pension funds.[10]

Bidding process

[edit]
The casino complex will be constructed alongside the Chicago River near the Chicago Avenue Bridge (pictured).

In April 2021, Lightfoot announced the beginning of the bidding process for the city's "casino-resort".[1] She stated that proposals must include plans for a 500-room hotel, meeting space, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.[1]

In November 2021, Lightfoot announced the city's top five bids for a Chicago casino.[10] She set a public meeting for the proposals for December 16, 2021.[10]

In March 2022, the three final bidding proposals were announced. The first was from Rush Street Gaming, which would cost US$1.62 billion and would be built between the South Loop and Chinatown along the Chicago River.[11] The second was a US$1.74 billion proposal from the eventual chosen Bally's Corporation to build the casino and resort on the Chicago Tribune printing plant in the River West neighborhood.[11] The final proposal was a $1.74 billion proposal from Hard Rock to build the casino and resort, across from Soldier Field.[11]

On May 5, 2022, Lightfoot announced that she had selected the bid from the Bally's Corporation.[12] The proposal needed city council approval and Illinois Gaming Board approval.[13] Reaction to the casino selection was controversial with many residents living near the proposed site.[14]

Casino details

[edit]
Freedom Center, where the casino complex will be constructed

When the Bally's Corporation sought their bid, they proposed a $1.6 billion casino and resort, where the current Chicago Tribune Publishing Center is located. Bally's has the option to buy the 30-acre site.[15] Bally Corporation and Community Investment Programs are record owners of the resort, and architects, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, will oversee the construction with several additional firms. Gensler architects will design the casino resort facilities and Solomon Cordwell will design the hotel.[2]

The first phase of the process would cost $1 billion, which would include 2,700 slot machines, 95 table games, a suite-only hotel, with 100 suites.[16] There would also be an outdoor music venue with space for 1,000 people. After having a 20% return on investment from phase 1, Bally's would have a $600 million expansion. There would be a total of 4,000 gaming seats with the expansion, a new 400 room hotel, a 3000 seat indoor venue, and a 20,000 sq ft exhibition space.[17] The temporary casino is located at Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash Ave.[18]

The permanent location will include a 3,000 seat theater, an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk,a pedestrian bridge, six restaurants, a food hall, and room for 3,400 slots and 173 game tables.[18]

Location

[edit]

A casino location was proposed on the south street of McCormick Place near Lake Shore Drive. This proposal was rejected by the Chicago City Council in March 2022.[11] The James R. Thompson Center was also discussed as a possible casino venue.[19]

In May 2022, the location of the casino and resort was announced and would be located in the River West neighborhood.[11][20] The temporary location opened on September 9, 2023, with the permanent location opening in 2026.[21][22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Lightfoot Starts the Bidding on Chicago's 'Casino-Resort'". WTTW. April 22, 2021. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Kugler, Lukas (2023-10-30). "Illinois Gaming Board grants Bally's permanent casino license". Urbanize Chicago. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  3. ^ "Demolition begins for new Bally's casino at former Tribune publishing site - CBS Chicago". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-08-27.
  4. ^ "20 Questions With Chicago's Two Mayoral Candidates". WBEZ. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  5. ^ "How Illinois Bet On Video Gambling And Lost". WBEZ. Archived from the original on January 29, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Munks, Jamie; Petrella, Dan (June 28, 2019). "Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs bills that ignite $45 billion construction program, massive gambling expansion and doubling of gas tax". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 10, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  7. ^ a b Byrne, John (3 June 2019). "Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Chicago casino: Big win, up next a study to decide where to put it". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  8. ^ a b "Statement from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot on Chicago Casino". City of Chicago. November 14, 2022. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  9. ^ Spielman, Fran (14 October 2019). "Lightfoot floats casino, real estate transfer tax plans with Chicago delegation ahead of fall veto session". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  10. ^ a b c "Lightfoot's Office Unveils Five Bids For A Chicago Casino; Public Meeting On Proposals Set For Dec. 16". CBS News. November 19, 2021. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Chicago's Casino Won't Be Built at McCormick Place, Officials Announce as 3 Finalists Unveiled". WTTW. March 22, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  12. ^ "Mayor Lori Lightfoot announces Bally's proposal as final pick for Chicago casino". ABC News. May 5, 2022. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  13. ^ "It's official: Bally's casino in River West is Mayor Lori Lightfoot's pick for Chicago's gambling complex — but it's not a done deal yet". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2022-05-05. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
  14. ^ "It's official: Bally's casino in River West is Mayor Lori Lightfoot's pick for Chicago's gambling complex — but it's not a done deal yet". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2022-05-05. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
  15. ^ "Bally's plans temporary casino at vacant Tribune wharehouse". Chicago Tribune. April 7, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  16. ^ "New Renderings And Details Revealed For City Casino Bids". Chicago IMBY. November 20, 2021. Archived from the original on March 28, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  17. ^ "Exec. Summary - Ballys at Tribune.pdf". Google Docs. Archived from the original on 2022-04-12. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
  18. ^ a b "Photos: See What The Proposed Bally's Casino in Chicago's River North Will Look Like". NBC Chicago. May 5, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  19. ^ "Turn the Thompson Center into a casino". July 19, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  20. ^ "Bally's River West casino proposal gets city nod". The Chicago Sun-Times. May 5, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2022.
  21. ^ "Bally's Corp. chosen to build Chicago's first casino". Chicago Business Journal. May 5, 2022. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  22. ^ "Bally's gets Gaming Board approval to open temporary casino". Chicago Tribune. 2023-09-09. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
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