Bally’s Submits Bid for Chicago Casino License

Bally’s Corporation has submitted a proposal to the City of Chicago to develop and operate the $1.6 billion Bally’s Chicago, a world-class entertainment destination resort. The casino, hotel, and entertainment venue will be Bally’s flagship property and showcase the best of Chicago in its programming.

“Chicago is a dynamic, world-class city, which is why we are committing to make a $1.6 billion investment in establishing Bally’s Chicago as our flagship, and the only property in its class in the Chicagoland market. This property will be built, owned, and operated by Chicagoans, with a focus on minority and women investors, contractors, suppliers, consultants, and employees. It will generate tax revenue, create good-paying jobs, and attract international, national, and local visitors for generations to come,” Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation, said.

Bally’s has proposed two potential sites, both of which it views as economic sleeping giants for the City’s and the communities’ consideration: The Chicago Tribune Publishing Center, located on the corner of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, and the McCormick Place Truck Marshaling Yard. The Tribune site is within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and other cultural attractions and easily accessed by public transportation. The McCormick Place Truck Marshaling Yard creates an entertainment destination that connects Chicago’s convention hub with the vibrant, predominantly African American Bronzeville community and would turn the underutilized site into a significant source of tax revenue for the City.

Chicago native and Bally’s Director Wanda Y. Wilson said: “From design and build to operations and ownership, Bally’s Chicago is committed to providing meaningful leadership roles, well-paying jobs, and investment opportunities for all Chicagoans—especially MBE/WBE/VBE/DBE-certified firms and minority and women residents. I have spent my career in gaming, and am proud to be a director and investor in Bally’s. Its commitment to innovation, culture and diverse ownership makes it a leader in the industry. Everyone knows the Bally name, and that global recognition will attract visitors to Bally’s Chicago.”