(The Center Square) – Following threats of lost revenue to Chicago City Council over the approval of video gambling terminals, Bally’s Casino has paused construction on multiple projects surrounding its development of the city’s only casino.
A deal between Bally’s Casino and city has been on the books since before Mayor Brandon Johnson took office, with the city projecting $200 million annually in local tax revenue once the project is completed.
The casino’s temporary location, which operates 24 hours a day, brought in $15.28 million in new tax revenue for the city in 2025.
“The potential for an uncontrolled proliferation of video gambling terminals is in breach of the City’s commitment not to expand gaming in the Host Community Agreement and creates uncertainty that could be harmful for Bally’s Chicago prospects,” read the statement. “We will continue to assess our options, which we hope will include more productive discussions with the Mayor’s Office and City Council.”
The casino said it would not be halting construction of the permanent casino along the Chicago River, which is expected to be completed early next year. Instead, they’ve halted surrounding projects, such as an adjacent hotel.
Casino representatives previously told the council $74 million in city revenue and hundreds of jobs would be threatened if the city began approving licenses for VGTs.
Christopher Jewett, senior vice president of Bally’s Casino, said he believes Bally’s can help the city’s revenue issues without breaking their agreement to not expand access to gambling machines not operated by the company.
“We do share your desire to avoid a budget shortfall, which is why we have proposed substituting the revenue you have anticipated from VGTs with revenue from airport slot machines,” Jewett said in June.
The Illinois General Assembly passed a law allowing Bally’s slots to be installed at the two major Chicago airports.
Aldermen in favor of approving VGT licenses across the city abruptly brought their meeting on VGTs to a close in June.
Alderman Anthony Beale, an opponent to keeping VGTs banned and a Johnson ally, said allowing licenses would bring in more revenue than the city would lose by undercutting their agreement with Bally’s.
“The data we have to show that we have is video gaming terminals could potentially increase our budget between $60 and $100 million. And so, that’s real data to show that we have the ability to gain revenue from the taxpayers to keep from raising fines, fees and taxes,” Beale said.
Aldermen are not scheduled to return for meetings at city hall until Sept. 1.
