Bally's Casino has halted construction on parts of its Chicago project, accusing city officials of breaching its agreement. The operator froze work on the hotel and ancillary facilities while continuing to build the main casino on the Chicago River. The trigger: state approval of six video lottery terminal licences, which Bally's says violates the Host Community Agreement.
The company argues that the uncontrolled proliferation of VLTs breaks the city's commitment not to expand the gaming market. Elizabeth Suever, vice president of government affairs at Bally's Corp., warned that further VLT licensing would force the company to revisit the deal, putting at risk $4 million in annual payments to the city.
Bally's has offered an alternative. Christopher Jewett, senior vice president of the casino, told the council that lost VLT revenue could be replaced by installing slots at Chicago's two major airports — a move already approved by the Illinois General Assembly.
The council estimates the finished project will deliver $200 million in annual tax revenue. The temporary casino, operating around the clock, generated $15.28 million in new taxes in 2025. The pause has affected around 1,500 union construction workers. Bally's said it will continue talks with the mayor's office and the council.
