Bally's pauses non-gaming construction at Chicago casino project

Bally's Corporation has paused construction on several non-gaming components of its $1.7 billion to $2 billion River West casino development in Chicago. The suspension affects the planned hotel, event center, and various restaurants, though work on the casino floor itself is continuing. The company maintains that the permanent property is still scheduled to open in early 2027.

Bally's attributes the slowdown to Chicago's decision to legalize video gaming terminals, arguing that widespread deployment could divert revenue away from the casino and breach their host community agreement. The company warned that this policy change could cost the city up to $74 million in annual revenue and put approximately 1,050 to 1,500 union jobs at risk.

In response, twenty-eight Chicago alderpersons signed a letter urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to enforce the city's agreement. The council members argue that the host community agreement covers the entire planned development, not just the gaming floor, and that delaying amenities like the hotel and retail spaces constitutes a material change. The City Council plans to hold a public hearing regarding the construction slowdown, project financing, and compliance with city agreements.