Chicago’s new plan to legalize video gambling terminals — finally passed last month as part of the 2026 budget after years of debate — is not a done deal as Mayor Brandon Johnson and key aldermen say negotiations must continue.
The ongoing discussions between Johnson’s administration and aldermen over the gambling terminals mark the first major efforts to amend the budget passed by the City Council against the mayor’s wishes in late December.
Top Johnson advisor Jason Lee said the legalization of gambling machines in bars and restaurants across the city “requires more time and some judicious collaboration,” the clearest sign yet that it’s not a settled matter at City Hall.
