Temporary Medinah Temple Casino Plans To Open In June 2023

Bally’s has recently disclosed more information about its proposal to transform Medinah Temple into a provisional casino in Chicago.

The company is optimistic about beginning construction on its permanent casino in River North shortly. However, the building will not commence operations until 2025 at the earliest. Until then, gamblers can enjoy their time at the Medinah Temple.

Temporary Chicago casino

The temporary Chicago casino is scheduled to begin accepting bets in June 2023, provided all goes as planned. The establishment can continue operations for a maximum of three years.

Renovations are required for the Medinah Temple to adequately accommodate a casino. This has raised concerns among residents as the historic building is a recognized landmark in Chicago.

Bally’s asserts that the renovations will preserve the original 1912 architecture, including the copper domes, stained glass windows, and third-floor ceiling.

Luis Collado from STL Architects, a Chicago-based firm collaborating with Bally’s, states that the construction will incorporate additional safeguards for the historic building.

“We’re permitting the window’s beauty and the light that passes through it, but we’re also establishing a barrier that prevents physical contact with the window. Our intention is to safeguard the window while simultaneously appreciating and utilizing its aesthetic appeal.”

You can locate Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash Ave, if you’re not familiar with its location.

Before construction can commence on the temporary casino, its plans must be approved by the Chicago Landmark Commission Review Committee. The review process will kick off on Aug. 4.

Bally’s casino project

The construction at Medinah Temple is merely the initial phase of the $1.7 billion casino plans in Chicago.

Bally’s has already received approval from the city for its River North casino, however, they still require a license from the Illinois Gaming Board.

To put it differently, both the transient and enduring Chicago casinos are still awaiting final approval from authorities.

Bally’s submitted its paperwork for the main building in June, potentially expediting the company’s approval process.

Once Bally’s has officially cleared the final hurdles, it can truly kickstart the two projects.

Establishing a casino in downtown Chicago is a challenging task. The project has its skeptics due to the high level of difficulty involved.

Regardless of circumstances, the project is set to progress shortly. Provided everything goes smoothly, a new temporary casino will be operational in Chicago next year. The primary casino intends to inaugurate in 2025.