Construction of Bally’s permanent casino in Chicago’s River West neighborhood has been paused due to concerns about a waste hauler with supposed mob ties.
This development follows an investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times, which exposed that D&P Construction Co., Inc. was involved in the project. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has intervened by issuing a stop-work order pending further investigation.
The IGB, accountable to Governor JB Pritzker, cited the use of undisclosed and unauthorized vendors on the Bally's casino construction site as the reason for halting the project.
You can add this to the list of construction woes the project has experienced since the groundbreaking.
Illinois Gaming Board Issues Formal Statement
In a formal statement, the IGB underscored their regulations, which mandate full disclosure and prior approval of contractors and vendors involved in the construction of the casino.
“The Illinois Gaming Board issued an order to cease construction work on the Bally’s Chicago permanent casino,” the statement read. “This is in connection with a pending IGB investigation into the use of undisclosed and unapproved vendors at the construction site.”
The IGB became aware that D&P Construction was conducting waste removal services without having been disclosed or approved by the board. The IGB expressed concern over potential unknown associations linked to D&P, which could violate existing regulations. At this time, their investigation is ongoing.
Bally's Responds to Chicago Casino Work Stoppage
Bally’s, which has been operating a temporary casino at the Medinah Temple in River North since early September 2023, responded to the development by acknowledging the IGB’s actions.
In a statement, Bally’s said, “Today we were informed by IGB that the contractors working on the Bally’s Chicago site were utilizing an unapproved vendor and were issued a stop work notice. We appreciate the diligence and action of IGB. This is the process at work. We look forward to working with the IGB to eliminate the possibility of it happening again.”
To address the issue, Bally’s highlighted its collaboration with the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), emphasizing their commitment to involving smaller city contractors in the project. They stated, “We brought together the Chicago Community Builders Collective to give smaller city contractors a chance to participate in this amazing project. We will work with the CCBC to better achieve our shared objectives.”
Bally's Chicago Casino Has Been Slow To Develop
In 2022, Chicago gave the go-ahead for a $1.7 billion casino complex by Bally's, set to be built on the former Chicago Tribune site along the river. Designed by SCB, the plan includes a large casino with 4,000 gaming spots, 11 restaurants, and a hotel with 500 rooms.
In May 2023, Gensler joined the team to focus on the casino's design, while SCB took charge of the hotel plans. Despite ongoing development, Bally's launched a temporary casino at the Medinah Temple in September 2023, raising concerns about funding. Officials worried about Bally's ability to meet expectations as the casino generated over $6 million less for the city than projected in nine months.
This month, Bally’s revealed a new site plan aimed at resolving both construction and funding issues, with Dallas-based HKS Architects, known for designing The Palazzo in Las Vegas, taking the lead on the project.
As the IGB continues its investigation, the future of the project remains uncertain. However, Bally’s reaffirmed its intent to comply with regulatory requirements and move forward collaboratively.
