Posted on: December 3, 2023, 01:44h. 

Last updated on: December 3, 2023, 01:44h.

Bally’s Chicago Casino Faces Multiple Probes Over Bidding Win

The US Attorney’s office, as well as the Chicago Inspector General, may be investigating how Bally’s captured the Chicago casino bidding competition.

According to reports, there were complaints from other gaming operators that lost in the competition. Rivals include Hard Rock International and Rush Street Gaming.

Questions have arisen about the process and the current status of the proposal. Crain’s reported that a city consultant that examined the financial health of the bidders raised money for Bally’s and that wasn’t disclosed to aldermen prior to the vote.

The gaming company was selected to build the first casino hotel in Chicago, but controversy has followed the selection.

This occurs in the context of the city’s history of political corruption, which has added fuel to the brewing controversy. The gaming company is also facing criticism from Chicago policymakers on other fronts. Ald. Brendan Reilly in October 2022 lambasted a traffic study conducted by Bally’s for the Medinah Temple casino, bashing the claim that 40% of visitors to the temporary casino will bike, walk, or use public transportation.