Bally's Chicago, the city's first-ever casino, launches today at the historic Medinah Temple, according to a tweet from Chicago's mayor. The casino is anticipated to provide 700 new jobs and a significant financial boost for Chicago.
We have officially opened doors to our first-ever casino. Bally’s Chicago will deliver nearly 700 jobs, open pathways for students in hospitality, and provide contracts to women- and minority-owned vendors.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) October 9, 2023
This will provide a fiscally strong and vibrant future for our city. pic.twitter.com/5DJ728qxZB
The conception of this casino traces back to the 1990 Riverboat Gambling Act, but it was only in 2019 that former Mayor Lori Lightfoot secured the project. Illinois' largest gaming hub will be complete by 2026 within the walls of Medinah Temple, as reported by Hoodline.
Medinah Temple's temporary casino facilities house 800 slot machines, 56 table games, and two full-service bars, plus restaurants and a café. There is potential for a sportsbook in the future according to Hoodline.
Bally's Chicago expects to support hospitality students and offer contracts to female- and minority-owned vendors. The $1.74 billion enterprise will ultimately feature an exhibition hall, a 500-room hotel, and a theater seating 3,000. Additionally, a wide spectrum restaurants will be available.
In its first year, Bally's Chicago's temporary casino alone could generate over $100 million in adjusted gross receipts. With an initial $40 million payment from Bally's included, the city's 2023 expected income from the project is around $70 million.
