Bally’s Corporation has pinpointed a potential location for slot-machine installations at Midway International Airport, according to officials in Chicago.
This announcement came during the first day of City Council discussions concerning Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget of $16.6 billion.
Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski indicated that the city has been in discussions with Bally’s regarding the prospect of introducing slot machines at both O’Hare and Midway airports.
“We’ve had dialogues with Bally’s about advancing this initiative. They have shown interest,” Jaworski informed the council members, as reported by the Chicago Sun Times. “There are several technical hurdles that we must navigate, particularly in ensuring compliance with all regulations governing airport operations. Nevertheless, our conversations are ongoing. Bally’s has marked a specific location at Midway, and we are actively working to progress this matter.”
Jaworski emphasized that ongoing talks are concentrating on ensuring compliance with aviation and gaming laws prior to any installations occurring. The initiative to introduce slot machines at Chicago’s airports traces back to state legislation that previously authorized the city, although the implementation phase has yet to materialize.
This proposal has sparked mixed opinions among city officials. Jason Lee, a senior advisor to Mayor Johnson, expressed doubts in August about whether airport slot machines would meet the public’s expectations for Chicago.
“I’m not sure if a broader expansion including Vegas-style slots in a Chicago airport aligns with public interest,” Lee commented. “That would represent a substantial shift in the culture of our airports. Chicago isn’t primarily recognized as a gaming hub like Las Vegas. It could raise various concerns.”
Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward), who has consistently backed the initiative, welcomed Jaworski’s affirmation that discussions with Bally’s are evolving positively.
“It’s about time they recognized that exploring all avenues for revenue, especially amidst the deficit we’re confronting, is crucial,” he stated. “This could yield between $30 million and $40 million. This was a straightforward decision. The General Assembly granted us this authority three to four years ago in the casino legislation. It’s disappointing that both the previous and current administrations haven’t explored all available revenue streams instead of merely penny-pinching.”
Villegas has proposed an ordinance to allow the installation of hundreds of video gambling machines post-security checkpoints at the airport. He remarked that this proposal could offer entertainment for travelers while also generating additional revenue for the city.
“Travelers are expected to arrive at the airport two to three hours early,” he explained. “This would enable individuals aged 21 and over to pass the time, capturing some revenue from visitors passing through the city, and allow Bally’s to market itself in the event that these travelers return to visit the terrestrial casino.”
Villegas suggested that all slot machines should be situated in enclosed lounges past the checkpoints, akin to airline club areas, where food and beverages could be available.
“It would be designed in a manner that doesn’t feel cheap,” he added. “Personally, when I fly, I visit the United Club to grab a snack, perhaps a drink while I await my flight. If a lounge were accessible and I felt inclined, I might spend $10 or $20 just to pass some time, perhaps even come away with a little extra cash for my journey.”
According to Jaworski, dialogues with Bally’s are ongoing, with the city reviewing the operational and regulatory requirements for establishing any form of gaming at the airport.