Bally’s Chicago Not on Schedule, Could Use Extension to 2027

Bally’s Chicago Casino is at risk of missing the late-2026 is set with Illinois lawmakers.

Construction setbacks have caused the casinos’ developers to become wary of meeting the end-of-year-deadline, prompting legislators to introduce a new bill to extend their temporary casino’s life span. That facility at Medinah Temple is set to expire in September.

The bill, if approved, would give Bally’s until Sept. 2027 at the latest to finish development on its permanent location.

Working to extend the deadline

Bally’s is servicing casino gamblers at the temporary casino thanks to its temporary gaming license, which was already extended once.

The new bill was presented by Rep. Kam Buckner (D), whose 26th District includes part of Chicago. The bill calls for a minimum six-month extension to Bally’s temporary license, with the opportunity to trigger two additional three-month extensions.

The casino company shared a statement with WGN-TV acknowledging the introduction of the proposal. 

“This action provides operational certainty and allows Bally’s Chicago to remain fully compliant with its Host Community Agreement with the City of Chicago, ensuring uninterrupted service for guests, continued employment for team members, and ongoing economic contributions to the City,” said Christopher Jewett, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, Bally’s Corporation. “We appreciate the partnership with City leaders and the General Assembly. This proposed legislation allows us to continue operating responsibly while we advance our permanent facility and deliver on the long-term commitments to Chicago.”

Illinois’ laws allow a temporary casino to operate for a maximum of 24 months with one additional 12-month extension. 

Bally’s temporary casino opened in Sept. 2023, meaning that it will reach the 36-month maximum before the end of the year.

Unforeseen issues

Bally’s temporary facility inside the historic Medinah Temple has become a popular visiting spot for customers, although not to the extent that Chicago had hoped. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) budgeted $35 million in projected tax revenue for the temporary casino. However, the facility only produced $16.1 million in 2024 and $15.9 million from its River North location.

The delay in Bally’s permanent development was due to several unforeseen circumstances. 

In December 2024, a demolition crew caused debris to spill into the Chicago River, and half a year later, the Illinois Gaming Board paused construction after it was found that developers used a waste management company with ties to organized crime.

Despite those setbacks, the casino is focused on delivering what it promised to the state.

“Bally’s Chicago remains fully committed to the construction of its permanent casino and entertainment destination and will continue operating at Medinah Temple in accordance with all regulatory requirements during the extension period,” Bally’s said in its statement. The adjusted timeline allows for Bally’s Chicago to operate the temporary casino inside of Medinah Temple through September 2027, if needed.”

The full-fledged facility is a $1.6 billion undertaking that will develop a 30-acre site in the River West neighborhood in Chicago. Plans include a full casino and gaming floor, a hotel, and an entertainment complex that will redefine the area.

The project was made possible by the Rebuild Illinois Act of 2019, which greenlighted a maximum of six new land-based casinos across the state. That included Bally’s Chicago, as well as Hollywood Casino Aurora, which will move from its riverboat location to a land-based home, and Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, a $100 million project that could soon begin construction.