Published on: January 16, 2026, at 10:24 AM.
Updated on: January 16, 2026, at 10:25 AM.
- Bally’s Chicago anticipated to delay opening until at least 2027
- The casino initially announced a year-end opening
Changes in legislation in Illinois may push back the anticipated opening of the $1.7 billion permanent casino resort under development by Bally’s in Chicago’s River West area.
Recently, state Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) introduced legislation that would permit Bally’s Chicago to delay its opening by one year, extending the deadline from September 2026. This change arises from discussions with Bally’s officials.
As construction progresses on the resort casino located on the 30-acre site of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center printing facility, it has become evident that the planned opening by year’s end may not be feasible. Bally’s representatives reportedly approached Buckner to advocate for the extension.
“Bally’s Chicago is fully dedicated to constructing its permanent casino and entertainment hub, and we will continue operations at Medinah Temple in compliance with all regulatory standards during this extension,” stated Bally’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Christopher Jewett. “This revised timeline permits Bally’s Chicago to operate the temporary casino at Medinah Temple through September 2027, if necessary.”
“This proposed legislation empowers us to operate responsibly while advancing our permanent facility and fulfilling our long-term commitments to the Chicago community,” Jewett added.
Casino Construction Challenges
Bally’s Chicago has encountered various obstacles. In the previous year, construction was paused for two weeks amid concerns regarding a contractor’s alleged association with organized crime. The waste management firm D&P Construction was suspected of having previously been connected to John “No Nose” DiFronzo, a former mob boss.
The Illinois Gaming Board mandated the two-week halt while investigating the use of unauthorized vendors. The state gaming regulatory authority later confirmed that “no vendors were engaged in casino construction without IGB endorsement.”
In late 2024, construction faced a temporary setback after a mesh netting wall collapsed during the demolition process of the newspaper plant, resulting in debris falling into the Chicago River. Investigations by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Chicago Department of Buildings, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District concluded that no laws or regulations had been violated.
Overview of the Casino
The Bally’s Chicago project will feature a 30-plus story, 500-room hotel, a casino area equipped with 3,500 slot machines and table games, an assortment of dining and bar options (including a rooftop bar), and a 3,000-seat theater. Additional amenities include a spa and fitness center, a two-acre park, and a 2,000-foot riverwalk.
Meanwhile, the temporary Bally’s Chicago casino is operational within the Medinah Temple, offering approximately 800 slot machines and 56 live dealer game tables.
In 2025, Bally’s Chicago generated a gross gaming revenue of $124.6 million, ranking fifth among the 17 casinos in Illinois.