“It will be a world class entertainment destination that provides jobs, boost tourism numbers and brings a host of incredible amenities into the 27th ward. Walter Burnett of the 27th ward said in a press release that he supports the project. Hopkins’ ward is located just to the north of the site, which is situated along the Chicago River on a plot of land formerly used as a publishing plant for the Chicago Tribune.Īnticipated Bally's Chicago Casino Deal Ignites Backlash Ahead of Possible AnnouncementĪld. “ said she’s made no decision, (but) she’s going to come out tomorrow and not explain the justification for it,” Hopkins told NBC 5 Wednesday, before the announcement was made. Brian Hopkins, say that the Bally’s project has been the frontrunner all along, and they are expressing concerns about the process that led to the decision. The city estimates a casino will bring in $200 million a year in tax revenue - money that is earmarked for police and fire pensions, according to officials.Īccording to officials, Bally's has committed to 60% minority hiring for its nearly 3,000 jobs. A fitness center, sun deck and pool spaĪs part of its proposal, Bally's offered the city $40 million up front.An extension of the Riverwalk and pedestrian bridge.The $1.74 billion dollar project includes: The casino's temporary location would open first. The permanent location is expected to take several years to redevelop. When the Casino Open?Ī press release from Mayor Lightfoot's office did not specify dates. However, that site needs to be redeveloped.Īccording to the press release, Bally's will open a temporary casino in River North at the Medinah Temple, located at 600 N Wabash Ave - the former site of a Bloomingdale's Home Store - would open first, until the Tribune site can be constructed into a permanent spot. The casino project and hotel is expected to be built on a portion of the site of the current industrial Tribune Publishing Center at Tribune Publishing Plant in the River West neighborhood, at N. Where will Chicago's Bally's Casino be Located? It must still be approved by the full City Council and the Illinois Gaming Board before it can move forward, but here's what we know right now. The bidding war brought months of proposals, public comment, support and strong opposition from some neighborhood groups and aldermen. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here. Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know.

When will river city casino open