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The casino’s temporary location, which operates 24 hours a day,
brought in $15.28 million in new tax revenue for the city in
2025.
"The potential for an uncontrolled proliferation of video
gambling terminals is in breach of the City's commitment not to
expand gaming in the Host Community Agreement and creates
uncertainty that could be harmful for Bally's Chicago
prospects,” read the statement. “We will continue to assess our
options, which we hope will include more productive discussions
with the Mayor's Office and City Council."
The casino said it would not be halting construction of the
permanent casino along the Chicago River, which is expected to
be completed early next year. Instead, they’ve halted
surrounding projects, such as an adjacent hotel.
Casino representatives previously told the council $74 million
in city revenue and hundreds of jobs would be threatened if the
city began approving licenses for VGTs.
Christopher Jewett, senior vice president of Bally’s Casino,
said he believes Bally’s can help the city’s revenue issues
without breaking their agreement to not expand access to
gambling machines not operated by the company.
“We do share your desire to avoid a budget shortfall, which is
why we have proposed substituting the revenue you have
anticipated from VGTs with revenue from airport slot machines,”
Jewett said in June.
The Illinois General Assembly passed a law allowing Bally’s
slots to be installed at the two major Chicago airports.
Aldermen in favor of approving VGT licenses across the city
abruptly brought their meeting on VGTs to a close in June.
Alderman Anthony Beale, an opponent to keeping VGTs banned and a
Johnson ally, said allowing licenses would bring in more revenue
than the city would lose by undercutting their agreement with
Bally’s.
“The data we have to show that we have is video gaming terminals
could potentially increase our budget between $60 and $100
million. And so, that’s real data to show that we have the
ability to gain revenue from the taxpayers to keep from raising
fines, fees and taxes,” Beale said.
Aldermen are not scheduled to return for meetings at city hall
until Sept. 1.
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