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State officials have so far approved six VLT licences
Bally’s Casino has halted construction on parts of its Chicago casino, saying that the ‘uncontrolled proliferation of video gambling terminals is in breach’ of its deal with the Chicago City Council.
Whilst not halting construction of the permanent casino component along the Chicago River, Bally’s has hit the pause button on surrounding projects, including the project’s hotel. State officials have so far approved six VLT licences.
“The potential for an uncontrolled proliferation of video gambling terminals is in breach of the City’s commitment not to expand gaming in the Host Community Agreement and creates uncertainty that could be harmful for Bally’s Chicago prospects,” Bally’s said. “We do not take this lightly because of the potential impact on many of the 1,500 union tradespeople who have been working hard to build Bally’s Chicago. We will continue to assess our options, which we hope will include more productive discussions with the Mayor’s Office and City Council.”
Elizabeth Suever, Vice President of Government Relations at Bally’s Corp., said that if the City Council continues allowing video gambling terminals in Chicago, it ‘will necessitate the renegotiation of the existing host community agreement between Bally’s and the city, putting in jeopardy $4m worth of yearly payments.’
The Council estimates that the casino will bring in $200m each year in local tax revenue once the project is completed. The casino’s temporary location, which operates 24 hours a day, generated $15.28m in new tax revenue for the city in 2025.
The Illinois General Assembly approved legislation permitting Bally’s slots to be installed at the two major Chicago airports.
Christopher Jewett, Senior Vice President of Bally’s Casino, said to the council: “We do share your desire to avoid a budget shortfall, which is why we have proposed substituting the revenue you have anticipated from VGTs with revenue from airport slot machines.’
