The Bally's Chicago Casino project, a massive undertaking set to reshape the gambling landscape in Illinois, faces a potential delay that might push its opening to 2027.
The temporary casino at Medinah Temple will expire in September, and the new casino is far from complete (due to construction delays). So, state Rep. Kam Buckner has come up with a plan. He introduced a bill to extend the temporary casino’s license for up to another year.
This extension would give Bally’s more time—until September 2027—to open its new $1.7 billion casino, hotel, and entertainment complex. The new facility is being built on a 30-acre site in River West where the Tribune’s Freedom Center printing plant used to be.
This development comes at a critical time, as the Illinois casino industry is experiencing significant growth. Let's dive into the latest updates and explore the broader context of this ambitious project.
Bally's Chicago Casino Project Delays Prompted Move
Despite initial plans to open the permanent casino by fall 2026, construction setbacks have made this timeline unlikely.
The current temporary license, which is set to expire in September 2026, has already been extended once. With the potential for further delays, Representative Buckner hopes to extend the temporary license.
His bill would initially add six months to the license, with the option for two additional three-month extensions, potentially extending Bally's temporary operation at Medinah Temple until September 2027.
Bally's supports this move for "operational certainty" during the construction phase.
Temporary Setup at Medinah Temple
Since late 2023, Bally's has been operating a temporary casino inside the historic Medinah Temple, located at 600 N. Wabash Ave. in River North. It's no surprise that, since opening its doors, Bally’s Chicago Casino has become one of the most popular gaming destinations in the state
This location was always intended as a stopgap solution, allowing gambling enthusiasts a taste of what Bally's has to offer while the permanent casino is under construction.
Bally's permanent casino is a $1.7 billion project, set to be built on a sprawling 30-acre site in Chicago's River West neighborhood.
The plan includes a full casino, hotel, and entertainment complex on the land that formerly housed the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center printing plant. As winners of the 2022 bid to operate Chicago's first and only casino, Bally's aims to create a landmark establishment on the Chicago River.
The Bigger Picture: Casino Industry Boom in Illinois
The Bally's project is part of a larger trend under the Rebuild Illinois Act of 2019, which authorized up to six new land-based casinos in the state.
This initiative has spurred several new developments, contributing to an unprecedented boom in Illinois' casino revenue. For instance, recent additions like Wind Creek Chicago Southland in East Hazel Crest and Hard Rock Casino Rockford have already made significant impacts since their openings in 2024.
As Bally's navigates its construction challenges, other casinos are on the rise across Illinois:
Hollywood Casino Aurora:Set to move from its riverboat location to a new $360 million land-based site near I-88, the project boasts a hotel, dining, event spaces, and a sportsbook.
Par-A-Dice Casino (East Peoria): Boyd Gaming is planning a $100 million project with construction potentially starting in early 2026.
These projects reflect a broader shift towards land-based casinos, particularly in and around Chicago, offering expanded entertainment options for residents and tourists alike.
Illinois Casino Industry Looks to the Future
While the Bally's Chicago casino project faces delays, its eventual completion promises to be a significant milestone for both the company and the city.
In the meantime, the temporary casino at Medinah Temple will continue to provide gaming entertainment for locals and visitors. As Illinois' casino industry continues to grow, Bally's and other new developments contribute to an exciting new era of gambling and entertainment in the region.
This period of expansion, matched with ongoing legislative discussions, highlights the transformative impact of the Rebuild Illinois Act on the state's gaming landscape. With more developments on the horizon, Illinois is set to solidify its status as a major player in the national casino industry.
