Bally's Corp is navigating construction and regulatory challenges across its Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York developments this summer. The operator secured a temporary license extension for its Chicago project on 1 June while addressing a newly legalized video gaming terminal market in the city.
License Extension and Terminal Regulations
Construction continues on the $1.8 billion permanent casino following the state legislature's license extension. The city council's budget revision lifted the local ban on video gaming terminals, allocating $6.8 million for licensing revenue. Approximately 300 venues have already submitted applications, with projections indicating that up to 80% of the 3,300 eligible liquor licensees will participate. A city council committee reviewed the matter on Wednesday, though the session concluded without a final decision.Revenue Projections and Corporate Response
Bally's management proposed installing slot lounges at O'Hare and Midway airports to offset the projected licensing funds. Christopher Jewett, senior vice president of corporate development, stated that a single lounge could generate approximately $5 million in gaming and admission taxes for the municipality. The company estimates that widespread terminal deployment would reduce annual casino revenue by nearly $75 million and eliminate roughly 1,000 positions across temporary and permanent facilities. The introduction of terminals may also affect the host community agreement, which includes a $4 million annual payment to the city, potentially leading to contract disputes.For reference, video gaming terminals have expanded to over 1,100 municipalities in Illinois, making Chicago the primary remaining restriction. State gaming records for 2026 show terminals generating $1.4 billion in net terminal income and $68.5 million in local taxes, while casinos reported $889.5 million in adjusted gross receipts and $53.6 million in local taxes.
Bally's continues development on its Las Vegas and New York resort projects alongside the Chicago expansion.