Bally’s plans to open its temporary casino in Chicago in September, a few weeks later than initially planned.
Gaming machines will be installed on the Medinah Temple site, but final approval is required from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
According to IGB spokeswoman Beth Kaufman, the agency “continues to work with Bally’s Chicago to open the temporary casino at Medinah Temple in an ethical, compliant and efficient manner.”
In May, Bally’s Chicago Casino announced that it was looking to fill hundreds of vacant positions for its casino.
Bally’s has the right to operate a temporary casino for up to three years while the permanent casino resort is built.
Bally’s Chicago Casino expected to open between 2025 and 2026
Bally’s Chicago Casino is scheduled to officially open in late 2025 or early 2026. The site will cost an estimated $1.7 billion to build.
In addition, the development will have entertainment and a hotel at the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street.
The resort will feature 3,400 slots, 170 table games and 10 food and beverage outlets.
The resort will also offer a 500-room hotel tower with a rooftop bar and 6,000-square-foot entertainment center.
Senior Vice President of Group Design and Development Analysis
Joyen Vakil, Senior Vice President of Design and Development at Bally’s, said at the time of construction, “Inspired by the interplay of the city – grit and grandeur, structure and organic, historically charged and cutting-edge – the design of Bally’s Chicago creates a sense of wonder and adventure accessible to all.”
“The plan is focused on bringing nature and well-being through the addition of numerous public squares and parks,” added Vakil.
Several companies in Chicago are part of the development team. The project was designed by SCB (Hotel, Rooftop Restaurant, Spa and F&B Venues) in association with V3 Companies, Gensler and Site Design Group.
