Bally’s Chicago has marked its first anniversary at the temporary Medinah Temple casino site, celebrating a year of significant milestones and community engagement. Since opening on September 9, 2023, the casino has welcomed 1.3 million visitors and generated over $114 million in adjusted gross receipts. This milestone comes as Bally’s prepares for the development of its permanent facility, which promises to be a major addition to Chicago’s entertainment landscape.
A Year of Achievements
In its first year, Bally’s Chicago has made a notable impact on the local community and economy. The temporary casino, housed in the historic Medinah Temple, has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. With 754 slot machines and 56 gaming tables, the casino offers a wide range of gaming options. The venue also features an expansive center bar and several restaurants, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Bally’s has also been committed to community engagement and job creation. The casino has created over 600 high-paying union jobs and graduated more than 200 students from its Dealer Training School. These efforts have not only provided employment opportunities but also contributed to the local economy. Bally’s has engaged with hundreds of local businesses through job fairs and vendor fairs, fostering strong community relationships.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
The economic impact of Bally’s Chicago has been significant. In its first year, the casino generated nearly $12.9 million in local taxes, providing a new source of revenue for the city. Despite falling short of initial projections, the casino’s performance has been impressive, ranking fourth in revenue among the state’s 15 casinos. Bally’s Chicago is second in the state for admissions, with nearly 3.1 million visitors over the past year.
Looking ahead, Bally’s is focused on the development of its permanent facility. The $1.7 billion project will be located on the 30-acre Tribune Publishing printing plant site in River North. The new casino complex will feature an exhibition hall, a 500-room hotel, a 3,000-seat theater, 10 restaurants, and 4,000 gaming positions. This ambitious project is expected to open in September 2026 and will be the largest casino in the state.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Bally’s Chicago has made significant strides in community engagement over the past year. The casino has become a valued partner in the local business community, participating in economic development initiatives and networking events. Bally’s has also introduced new amenities to enhance the player experience, including a VIP Lounge, high-limit slot machines, and complimentary valet and shuttle services for VIP members.
The future prospects for Bally’s Chicago are promising. The temporary casino has laid a strong foundation for the permanent facility, which is expected to attract even more visitors and generate higher revenues. As Bally’s continues to engage with the community and develop its permanent site, the casino is poised to become a premier gaming and entertainment destination in Chicago.
