Buoyed by record-breaking admissions and gross receipts at Medinah Temple in Illinois, Bally’s Chicago is all set to break ground on a $1.7 billion permanent casino on July 5, 2024. Bally’s Chicago has committed to invest the aforementioned amount in the permanent casino project, with contractual obligations amounting to $1.34 billion. Despite various challenges, the company is forging ahead. After some initial setbacks, the company has successfully identified a suitable location for the hotel tower.

A layer of uncertainty has been by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who openly pointed out that the company is struggling to tackle a funding gap of $800 million for construction. Moreover, there is a potential takeover bid for the company from one of its major shareholders. Mayor Brandon’s cautious stance echoes his concerns about the feasibility of the new project. During a recent interview, the mayor refrained from providing a conclusive confirmation for the project.

In spite of all these hurdles, Bally’s CFO Marcus Glover expressed optimism. The senior executive offered assurance on the project, saying that the company’s plans for the permanent facility remained on track.

Meanwhile, the company is set to take ownership of the “River West” property on 5th of July, signaling a pivotal moment in the project’s timeline, and marking the company’s commitment to bringing its pushy vision for the Chicago casino to reality.

Even as clouds of somewhat uncertainty continue to loom over the project’s future, the permanent casino is slated to open in September 2026.

In the meantime, the company’s community engagement efforts continue. The company is organizing a number of assorted vendor fairs to foster partnerships and associations with women-owned as well as minority-owned businesses. A public meeting on the project site’s demolition also accentuates the company’s commitment and dedication to ensure transparency as well as involvement of the local community in the development of the project.

As far as Bally's Corp. is concerned, it is a gaming, betting & interactive entertainment company that is headquartered in the Providence area of Rhode Island. It owns and operates a total of fifteen casinos across ten states in the U.S., in addition to a horse track in Colorado, and online sports betting operations in more than a dozen states.

With significant financial hurdles and leadership apprehensions casting uncertainties, Bally’s ambitious permanent casino project stands at a crossroads. However, despite the challenges and complexities, the company’s commitment and dedication underscore its determination to see the project through.