Chicago Casino Committee Approves Plans For Bally’s Casino

On Monday, Bally’s received approval from a special Chicago casino committee to construct its new casino in River West. The committee backed the company’s plans with a substantial 27-3 vote.

The committee’s decision paves the way for a full vote by the Chicago City Council on Wednesday. If the council gives its final approval, it would mark a significant milestone for the Chicago casino project.

Committee approves Bally’s casino

Earlier this month, Mayor Lori Lightfoot had already chosen Bally’s as the winning bidder for the casino project.

Nonetheless, Lightfoot’s approval was not the last stage of the process. The city of Chicago still had to approve the casino plans.

Lightfoot was aspiring for a City Council vote to occur by this Wednesday. It appears that her wish is going to be fulfilled.

Originally, the special committee planned to vote on May 20, but they postponed it to allow for additional preparation.

The group made the decision to postpone the release of its recommendation to approve the Bally’s casino plans until Monday. To put it another way, the final vote by the Chicago City Council will take place on May 25.

Bally’s Chicago casino is gradually nearing its business commencement in River West, as things are progressing.

Bally’s is constructing a temporary casino to accommodate gamblers until the final $1.7 billion casino is ready for wagers in 2026. The temporary building is slated to open sometime next year.

Lightfoot and team are keen on expediting the whole process. They aim to swiftly set up the temporary casino to prevent a rise in property tax within the city.

The city is finally supporting the plans, keeping a swift process an option. However, there are still local obstacles that could potentially disrupt the schedule.

Opposition in Chicago

The approval of the casino committee was far from a sure thing at the beginning of this process.

Bally’s has faced extensive criticism for its casino plans in the city.

Local officials have primarily expressed concerns about the relationship between Bally’s and a financial firm, which significantly contributed to the company’s successful casino bid.

Residents living near River West have also shown a considerable amount of resistance.

Ald. Brendan Riley stated that up to 85% of downtown Chicago residents might oppose the casino’s location. Such local resistance could make the project’s subsequent steps more challenging than anticipated.

Regardless, Bally’s is addressing the situation problem by problem. Securing the approval of the casino’s plans from the City Council on Wednesday would be a significant victory for the project.