Date of Publication: December 9, 2025, 05:32h.
Most Recent Update: December 8, 2025, 04:34h.
- Bally’s has released new images of its Chicago development project
- Some critics found the latest casino visuals to be lackluster
Bally’s Corporation has shared fresh renderings of its upcoming permanent Bally’s Chicago casino resort, situated in the River West district of Chicago.
Chicago YIMBY, a notable outlet for real estate news, recently obtained these new visuals of Bally’s Chicago. The various designs for the resort are created by HKS, an architectural firm based in Dallas, and represent a $1.7 billion investment.
Some observers found the renderings somewhat disappointing; the casino, dining, and lounge areas, along with the resort’s exterior, appear generic and could be mistaken for establishments in various locations across the country.
The one distinctive feature seems to be the property’s corner at Chicago Avenue, which will showcase “Chicago” in the typeface reminiscent of the Chicago Tribune. This site was historically significant, having housed the newspaper’s printing operations for over forty years prior to the Freedom Center’s demolition for the casino.
The Bally’s Chicago project includes a 500-room hotel with 3,500 gaming slots and table positions, alongside a rooftop pool, spa and fitness center, a 3,000-seat entertainment venue, and two acres set aside for outdoor public spaces.
A Glimpse of the Renderings
HKS is renowned for designing iconic casinos worldwide, including The Palazzo in Las Vegas and The Venetian in Macau.
However, Bally’s Chicago appears to blend in rather than stand out, with early visuals lacking uniqueness, showcasing a conventional casino layout, high-limit areas, and poker rooms.
One observer remarked, “It already looks rather dated to me,” on Chicago YIMBY.
“It looks like something Vegas produced two decades ago. Where’s the excitement?” another commenter questioned.
The exterior design features beige tones with the hotel’s glass-paneled sky-high elevations blended with hints of blue. The surrounding park and pathways are well-suited to Chicago, enhancing accessibility to the Chicago River through large staircases and pathways.
Overall, the assessment from this observer doesn’t render much enthusiasm. Bally’s seemed to need to unveil a property akin to The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, instead of something reminiscent of Bally’s Atlantic City.
That’s just one perspective. What are your thoughts? Share with us in the comments.
Bally’s Busy Venture
Currently, no other casino operator has quite as much on its plate as Bally’s. Besides its $1.7 billion Chicago venture, the company has also secured plans for a $4 billion casino in the Bronx, New York City.
Additionally, Bally’s is involved in potential developments in Las Vegas, specifically for a new casino and resort on the former Tropicana site, alongside a possible new ballpark for the Oakland A’s. The company is also in the process of acquiring Star Entertainment in Australia.
On Monday, Bally’s disclosed it has secured $1.1 billion in new credit funding. Moreover, the company is anticipated to finalize the sale of Bally’s Twin River Lincoln property in Rhode Island early next year.