Chicago's bet on Bally’s for a bustling casino scene is paying off, as the company's temporary venue at Medinah Temple drew close to 100,000 visitors in December alone, making it the city's second most frequented casino. According to the Chicago Tribune, the casino notched over $8.5 million in adjusted gross receipts, a notable increase from the previous month.
The Illinois Gaming Board's latest data indicates a statewide revenue upsurge, with the aggregate climb nearing $10.9 million, a hearty 8.3%, for December. While the crowds at the Bally's Chicago venue might not eclipse those at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, they're certainly making their presence felt in Illinois' bustling casino market. Mark Wong, vice president and general manager of Bally's Chicago, told the Chicago Tribune, "In December we saw our highest attendance and revenues to date."
Overall, the state's casinos set the cash registers ringing to the tune of $141.2 million in December, a 7.7% hike over November's numbers and a stout 19% greater than those of December 2022, as reported by PlayIllinois. The top earner, Rivers Casino, boasted $45.4 million of that jackpot, a lion's share credited both to slots and table games.
While Bally’s operates from its temporary digs with an enhanced schedule, the city looks forward with anticipation to the permanent casino, scheduled to open in 2026. The temporary venue's performance, which exceeded $30 million in adjusted gross receipts since its inception, is a glimmer of what's possible. In describing the casino's operation expansion, Wong said, "Opening our doors 24/7 is an important step as we continue to increase our visitation." This move, echoing the industry trend, is believed to be pivotal in competitors' jostle for a larger slice of the gaming pie.
The Illinois casino landscape remains in flux, with ongoing updates and improvements among the existing establishments. For Bally's Chicago, the eventual construction of a permanent gaming palace, anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2024, promises future growth and revved-up revenues. Until then, the historic Medinah Temple serves as more than just a placeholder, generating a significant tax revenue stream for the state and local coffers—a run of nearly $3.9 million and over $3.1 million respectively, over four months.
