Published on: June 30, 2026, 10:12h.
Updated on: June 30, 2026, 10:12h.
- Bally’s Corporation has enlisted the expertise of former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to contest the city’s endorsement of slot-like video gaming terminals.
- Bally’s asserts that the expansion of VGTs contradicts its Host Community Agreement, which guarantees casino exclusivity and was a significant factor in the company’s $1.7 billion investment.
- The casino operator cautions that permitting VGTs could diminish jobs at the casino, decrease city tax income, and necessitate a renegotiation of its host agreement.
Bally’s Corporation has brought on former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to support its argument that the presence of slot-like video gaming terminals (VGTs) in the city will lead to significant job losses and substantial local tax revenue declines.
Bally’s is responding to the Chicago City Council’s decision last year to permit VGT machines in the city.
Bally’s, which is developing a $1.7 billion casino resort in River West, claims that the authorization of VGTs undermines its Host Community Agreement, which stipulates that no new forms of legal gaming may be approved while its casino is operational.
The casino operator has brought on board one of the city’s leading lobbyists, former Mayor Lightfoot. Bally’s has engaged her law firm, RKF Global, to address legal aspects related to the VGT controversy.
Lightfoot’s Lobbying Efforts
Bally’s claims that RKF Global will assist in navigating the legal implications of allowing VGTs in bars, restaurants, truck stops, and fraternal organizations throughout the city.
“We are happy to have formed a highly skilled team here in Chicago. As we intensify efforts to safeguard our investment in the city, we have enlisted the strategic guidance of RKF Global PLLC, where former Mayor Lightfoot is a partner,” Bally’s remarked in a statement.
During her tenure as mayor, Lightfoot chose Bally’s over competing proposals from Hard Rock International and Rush Street Gaming based in Chicago. She supported Bally’s due to the company’s commitment to a $40 million upfront payment and a yearly contribution of $4 million to bolster the city’s finances.
Lightfoot opposed VGTs while in office, advocating that a fully operational casino would provide significantly greater benefits. Bally’s contends that these advantages are now jeopardized following the City Council’s decision to allow VGT installations.
Projected Impacts of VGTs on Bally’s
Bally’s argues that VGTs will divert gambling revenue away from its upcoming casino resort, resulting in the loss of numerous jobs and millions in local tax revenue. The company insists that the introduction of these machines renders its Host Community Agreement void and necessitates a renegotiation of the terms and annual fees.
“If we had known exclusivity would not be guaranteed, we would have submitted a different bid entirely,” stated Christopher Jewett, Bally’s senior vice president of corporate development, during a recent city Workforce Development Committee meeting. “Exclusivity was a crucial part of our investment.”
Bally’s Chicago is expected to open next year, featuring 3,400 slot machines, 170 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. The complex will also include 500 hotel rooms, a 3,000-seat theater, numerous dining and bar options, along with a public park along the Chicago Riverwalk.