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For more than two years, the promise of a permanent Chicago casino has come with shifting timelines. Initial optimism gave way to caution. Now, the outcome is uncertain.
Bally’s Chicago, the city’s first casino project, may not open its permanent location until late 2027, according to recent developments tied to construction delays and pending legislation. The delay matters because the casino was designed as a long-term source of tax revenue, and Chicago has already built that income into future budgets.
Lawmakers are now trying to prevent a gap — a period in which Bally’s temporary casino would close before the permanent site is ready.
Lawmakers seek extension to avoid casino revenue gap
State Rep. Kam Buckner has introduced legislation that would extend Bally’s authorization to operate its temporary casino at Medinah Temple in River North.
The bill would allow Bally’s to continue operating for six additional months beyond its current deadline and includes the option for two separate three-month extensions if construction delays persist. If both extensions are used, the temporary casino could remain open until September 2027.
Without legislative action, Bally’s would be required to shut down the Medinah Temple casino before the permanent site opens, cutting off casino revenue in Chicago entirely. That outcome comes as the city has already factored casino revenue into its budget planning.
Buckner has said the proposal is intended to address timing rather than rewrite casino law, emphasizing that the project itself remains intact despite missed milestones.
Construction hurdles shift opening expectations to late 2027
Bally’s originally agreed to complete its permanent casino by September 2026. That deadline no longer matches the pace of construction.
The site along the Chicago River in River West required extensive demolition before building could begin, a process that stretched longer than expected. Construction was later paused after regulators raised concerns about a subcontractor tied to waste hauling.
Each interruption added time to a project already navigating funding decisions and coordination challenges. Company officials have since acknowledged that late 2027 is a more realistic target, forcing lawmakers to address a scenario not anticipated in the original plan: What happens if the temporary casino’s authorization expires first?
Casino revenue tied to city budgets and pensions
Chicago’s casino project was never just about entertainment. City officials linked it directly to funding for public safety and pension obligations.
That connection makes extending the temporary casino politically attractive. While the Medinah Temple location has lagged behind several competitors statewide, it continues to generate taxable revenue and support its workforce.
State records show the casino has drawn about 1.3 million visits since opening in September 2023, though that traffic has not translated into comparable revenue rankings among Illinois casinos.
Even so, a shutdown — even a brief one — would eliminate casino revenue, an unwelcome prospect as Illinois faces a projected budget shortfall.
Casino delays intersect with broader gaming debates
Bally’s situation is unfolding alongside broader gaming debates in Springfield. One issue involves video gaming terminals in Chicago bars and restaurants. Bally’s has opposed expansion, arguing that widespread terminals would reduce casino traffic and weaken the financial assumptions behind the permanent resort.
Hawthorne Race Course has also entered the discussion after financial struggles led to canceled race dates when purse payments fell behind. Lawmakers are weighing changes that could limit Hawthorne’s ability to block competing racino projects in the region.
Together, these issues point to a legislative session shaped by competing interests, as lawmakers balance market competition against the need for stable revenue and regulatory oversight.
Bill aims to keep Chicago’s only casino operating
The proposed bill would not expand gambling or alter regulatory standards. It would simply adjust the timeline.
If approved, Bally’s could continue operating its temporary casino while construction proceeds at the permanent site. If it fails, Chicago could see its only city-based casino close before its replacement is ready.
The permanent casino is still planned. The question now is how long Chicago will have to wait — and whether the lights stay on in the meantime.
