The city became eligible to host a casino after state lawmakers approved an expanded gaming bill in 2019. It expects to need 700 for the Medinah Temple site and 3,000 for the permanent venue.Ĭhicago leaders picked Bally’s as its preferred operator last year after an extensive process that attracted bids from projects involving Rush Street Gaming and Hard Rock International. Other amenities planned for the site include a 500-room hotel and 3,000-seat theater, with Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim saying it will serve as the company’s “flagship” location.īally’s officials told the IGB Thursday that the company has received more than 11,000 job applications for the project. That development will hold up to 3,400 slot machines and 173 table games, making it the largest casino in Illinois. The permanent venue is slated for the Chicago Tribune printing plant. “As a world-class city and a global destination, Chicago provides an exceptional environment to offer outstanding amenities to visitors and residents alike.” This is in addition to the already flourishing Illinois sports betting scene. “The ruling will enable us to continue development efforts on Bally’s Chicago Casino temporary site at the iconic Medinah Temple,” the company said in a statement after the IGB meeting.

The temporary casino will still need to receive a license. What the preliminary finding does, though, is allow Bally’s to move forward with plans for a temporary casino while that full review takes place.

While it’s a “very significant and important step” in the licensure process, IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter told the board there will be more reviews before the Rhode Island company receives a license.

to operate a $1.7 billion casino resort in Chicago.

The Illinois Gaming Board, at its meeting Thursday, issued a preliminary finding of suitability for Bally’s Corp. A long-awaited casino will soon become a reality in the Windy City.

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