Construction on Bally's Casino in Chicago is back in action. After a two-week pause, Bally’s Corporation got the green light to keep building their new casino.
The Illinois Gaming Board stopped the project when they found out that a waste-hauling company, which was not approved, was being used.
This development followed an investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times, which alleged that D&P Construction Co., Inc. has ties to organized crime.
The association prompted immediate action, so on May 1 the IGB shut the project down and dumpsters were removed from the premises by May 2. This happened after other construction delays that have hampered the project.
After an investigation, Bally's Corporation addressed the vendor issues by committing to full disclosure of all proposed vendors to the IGB.
This resolution allowed construction to resume with assurances from Bally’s that no vendors would work without prior IGB approval.
Historical Context and Competitive Edge
This is not the first time D&P Construction's alleged mob ties have caused regulatory issues.
The company’s involvement was a contributing factor in the 2005 IGB decision to revoke the license of the proposed Emerald Casino in Rosemont. Instead, the license went to Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which launched in 2011 and rose to become Illinois' top-grossing casino. Despite this glitch, Bally’s remains on track to construct what will be the state’s largest casino.
The Bally's Casino Chicago Site Is 30 Acres
With this issue now resolved, the project is moving forward at full speed. The $1.7 billion plan is set to transform a former printing plant into a bustling entertainment hub.
Once complete, the site will feature a casino, a 500-room hotel, and will be a major addition to Chicago's entertainment scene. Bally's estimates that this will bring over 3,000 permanent jobs to the city.
Located on a 30-acre site along the Chicago River near Grand Avenue, Chicago Avenue, and Halsted Street, Bally’s plans to develop a large casino floor with 3,300 slots and 173 table games.
In addition to gaming and the hotel, the site will have other amenities, including:
- 3,000-Seat Theater
- 6 Restaurants
- Cafes
- Food Hall
A 2-acre public park will provide green space, enhancing the area’s appeal.
Timeline and Temporary Operations
Demolition of the former Freedom Center printing plant concluded earlier this year.
By February, foundational caissons were being installed, with Bally’s aiming for a September 2026 opening. In the meantime, Bally’s operates a temporary casino at Medinah Temple, open since September 2023, generating substantial revenue.
As of last month, Bally’s ranked fifth among Illinois’ 16 full casinos, with $11 million in adjusted gross receipts. In April, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines led the state by earning about $44 million. Following it was the new Wind Creek Chicago Southland, which made approximately $17 million, marking a new record for itself.
Wind Creek, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, opened its permanent 70,000-square-foot casino in East Hazel Crest last November. Just last month, they also unveiled a 255-room hotel.
When Will Bally's Casino Chicago Be Finished?
Selected in May 2022 to build Chicago’s new casino, Bally’s edged out notable contenders like Rivers Casino and Hard Rock.
The planned complex promises to redefine Chicago's entertainment offerings.
It will take some time to finish this ambitious project, but it is expected to make Bally’s a key player in the region’s hospitality and leisure industry. With construction now back on track, Chicago looks forward to welcoming a major new entertainment destination by late 2026.
