Bally’s Chicago Temporary Venue Could Open This Weekend after Final Tests
Bally’s temporary Chicago Casino (pictured) could open up this weekend, September 9, if all goes as planned during the last round of initial tests.
As the city gears up for the grand unveiling of its first legal casino, the Medinah Temple, a historic River North landmark, is set to be the center of attention.
The iconic building, located at 600 N. Wabash Ave., is currently undergoing a supervised practice gaming session with 350 Bally’s staff and friends testing out the new temporary venue’s 750 slot machines and table games. All under the watchful eye of the Illinois Gaming Board.
“We think we’re ready. We want to show them that we’re 110% ready,” said Ameet Patel, Bally’s regional general manager, speaking to the Chicago Sun Times.
“This will be a proud moment for Chicago and everybody around this area.”
A Historic Venue Turned Casino
Passers-by can already catch a glimpse of Chicago’s first legal casino slot machines through the glass doors.
If the Illinois Gaming Board Administrator, Marcus Fruchter, gives the green light, the casino could be operational by Saturday. That’s not too far off from the original early August date Bally’s planned for the opening, with some delays unavoidable.
The venue can accommodate approximately 3,200 guests. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a full-service bar surrounded by some 400 slot machines, including video poker. The second floor houses another 200 slots and 28 table games, including craps and roulette. The third floor is designed for high rollers, offering more slots and table games.
The casino has retained the temple’s iconic stained-glass windows, which date back to its opening in 1912. The dramatic vaulted dome ceiling, a signature feature of the temple, is also visible throughout – but its best viewed from the high rollers’ top floor.
$1.7 Billion Permanent Operation
The opening of Bally’s Casino Chicago promises an economic boost to the city area, while Bally’s waits to build its $1.7 billion permanent casino venue.
The temporary casino at Medinah is projected to generate up to $50 million in annual revenue during its three-year stint in River North.
Bally’s permanent Chicago site will be on the old Chicago Tribune offices in the River West area of the city.
Once operational, city officials anticipate that the permanent casino, with its 3,400 slots, could rake in up to $200 million per year in revenue.
However, Bally’s can’t start construction until the Tribune’s printing plant has shut up shop, which won’t be until July 2024. So, the completion of the mega Illinois brick & mortar casino is slated for 2026.
Even if it is temporary, the launch of the Bally’s Casino Chicago venue, as the first legal casino in the Windy City, still marks a significant milestone in Illinois’ gambling history.
Since 2019, when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation expanding gambling in the state, four other casinos have opened their doors to the public. The previous addition before Bally’s temporary Chicago venue was Golden Nugget Danville, which opened at the beginning of August.
With the entrance of Bally’s temporary casino, the state will have 15 casino venues. This is in addition to the more than 8,300 gas stations, restaurants, and bars where residents can indulge in video slot gaming.
Most Popular
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino Wins USA Today’s ‘Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas’ Award
The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, located in Highland, California, has recently received the prestigious title of “Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas” (2023) in the USA Today […]
Nevada’s Gaming Distance Laws Have Quietly Changed
Nevada lawmakers recently amended a 26-year-old law that restricts the distance between casinos and schools or places of worship. However, the potentially controversial change was implemented without public discussion or […]
Blackstone Contemplating Selling Half of its Bellagio Real Estate Stake
Blackstone Inc is reportedly considering selling half of its stake in the real estate of the Bellagio hotel and casino resort in Las Vegas. The giant New York-based investment firm […]
Thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix Ends in Comeback Max Verstappen Win
In an eventful and historic Las Vegas Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen overcame multiple challenges to clinch his record-extending 18th victory of the season. The Formula 1 race in […]
Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh Facing Lengthy Future Suspension
When this last weekend began, it looked like the NCAA and Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh had agreed to a resolution of his issues. His problems were regarding his […]
