Bally's Casino has secured final approval from state regulators for its gambling license. The move allows the Rhode Island-based company to run their temporary casino at the historic Medinah Temple while laying the groundwork for a River West gaming complex, slated for September 2026, as per Chicago Sun-Times.
Even though Bally's temporary establishment has been operational since last month, the unanimous vote by the Illinois Gaming Board reaffirms their backing to the company's $1.7 billion project at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. Bally's can now rest assured about maintaining its presence at the Medinah Temple for three years before migrating to the permanent 505,000-square-foot casino complex in River West, as reported by Block Club Chicago.
Last year, Bally's was chosen over three other contenders by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Its temporary site registered over $6.7 million in revenue within the first three weeks, translating to roughly $695,000 in city tax revenue intended for police and firefighter pension funds.
Construction of the permanent casino complex is to kick off in July 2024 when Bally's procures the site of the Chicago Tribune printing plant at 777 W. Chicago Ave, as part of a lease agreement with Tribune Publishing. Displaying conviction in their ability to meet the 2026 deadline, Bally's Chicago general manager Mark Wong affirmed to gaming board members their capability to deliver on such an ambitious project within the proposed timeline.
