Casino delays development over disagreement with Chicago council
Bally’s Casino pauses surrounding projects amid Chicago City Council dispute over video gambling terminals.Summary
Bally’s Casino has paused construction on surrounding projects, including an adjacent hotel, following a disagreement with the Chicago City Council over the approval of video gambling terminals (VGTs). The casino’s temporary location generated $15.28 million in tax revenue in 2025, while the city projected $200 million annually from the permanent casino. Bally’s cited concerns about uncontrolled VGT proliferation breaching the Host Community Agreement, which prohibits expanding gambling access. The company proposed substituting VGT revenue with airport slot machine revenue, approved by the Illinois General Assembly. Alderman Anthony Beale argued VGTs could add $60–$100 million to the city budget. The City Council will reconvene in September to address the issue.
(Source：Home Town Register)