Bally’s says it’s on track for Chicago casino despite Mayor’s comments

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 8:23 PM
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  • Rose Schmidt, NBC Chicago

A spokesperson for Bally’s said plans for a permanent Chicago casino in the River West neighborhood are still on track despite comments by Mayor Brandon Johnson this week published in the Chicago Sun-Times.

In that interview, the editorial board asked the mayor if he believes the permanent casino will ultimately be built. Johnson was noncommittal, saying that was “still to be determined.”

On Tuesday, a casino spokesperson reiterated to NBC Chicago that plans for the new $1.7 billion casino are still on track.

Bally’s plans to take ownership of the River West property on July 5, with a tentative opening date in Sept. 2026. Ald. Walter Burnett also downplayed the mayor’s comments.