Published on: October 10, 2025, 07:30h.
Updated on: October 9, 2025, 08:33h.
- Chicago officials are still evaluating the introduction of video gaming terminals resembling slot machines.
- Bally’s, engaged in constructing a $2 billion casino resort in Chicago, is firmly against the establishment of video gaming terminals.
Bally’s Corp. is alerting Chicago legislators about the potential financial repercussions of permitting the use of video gaming terminals (VGTs) in selected businesses.
On Thursday, the Committee on License and Consumer Protection of the Chicago City Council resumed discussions on permitting VGTs. In the previous month, the committee narrowly voted 8-6 in favor of Ald. Anthony Beale’s (9th Ward) original proposal to implement the gaming machines at over 3,500 Chicago establishments holding valid liquor licenses.
Ald. Beale later modified the bill to incorporate bars and taverns before presenting it to the licensing committee. Ahead of the Thursday assessment, Bally’s dispatched its lobbying team to express concerns about the detrimental effects VGTs could have on the company’s upcoming $2 billion casino resort in River West.
Representatives from Bally’s conveyed to the committee that the proliferation of VGTs throughout the city would significantly adversely affect its temporary gaming operation, currently situated in the Medinah Temple, as well as its permanent resort.
Projected Revenue Declines
Elizabeth Suever, Bally’s Vice President of Government Relations, informed the committee that VGTs could create an annual loss of approximately $260 million in state tax revenue, with around $70 million of that derived from Chicago.
Suever’s projections are considerable, indicating that Bally’s Chicago might suffer losses exceeding hundreds of millions in gross gaming revenue due to VGTs. Along with the expected reduction in city tax revenue, she estimated a loss of about 1,000 jobs at Bally’s.
Suever also pointed out that authorizing VGTs could breach the city’s Host Community Agreement, obligating Bally’s to pay the city $4 million annually for exclusive rights to slot machines.
Research by the city government has presented varied estimates regarding the city’s yearly revenue from VGTs, ranging between $7 million to $22 million—a drop in the ocean for a city facing a staggering $1.15 billion budget gap in 2026.
In Illinois, VGTs are taxed at 35%, but only 5% remains with the hosting municipality. Additionally, the city would gain from location and per-VGT annual permit fees.
In contrast, Bally’s Chicago currently faces a state tax rate of about 30.5% on its monthly gross gaming revenue, with more than 12% returned to the city.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expresses opposition towards VGTs in Chicago.
Progress on Casino Construction
As discussions surrounding VGTs unfold, construction of the permanent Bally’s Chicago casino is advancing. Union laborers are making substantial headway on the 34-story, 500-room hotel being developed on the previous site of the Chicago Tribune Publisher Center, also known as Freedom Center.
Bally’s Chicago plans to feature 3,500 slots and table games, a range of dining options including a rooftop restaurant and bar, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness center, as well as a 3,000-seat theater. Public amenities include a two-acre park and a 2,000-foot riverwalk.
Bally’s Chicago anticipates opening its doors in September 2026, although harsh winter conditions in Chicago could impact the timeline.