Bally’s temporary casino in River North has been operating two hourly shuttles from Chinatown unbeknownst to local leaders for the past two months, reviving long-held concerns about local casinos targeting communities with a history of problem gambling.
Bally’s temporary casino opened in September at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., over the opposition of local Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) and many Downtown residents. It has nearly 800 slot machines and 56 gaming tables, plus two restaurants and a coffee shop.
The casino initially operated 8 a.m.-4 a.m. seven days a week, and was welcomed with a line down the block for its grand opening. But attendance has lulled, and the casino is shifting to 24-hour operations next week.
