Lightfoot's predecessors had long sought to obtain a casino for the city. Shortly afterwards, Lightfoot announced that the city would commence study of where a Chicago casino would be located. However this bill did not approve the construction of a casino. Legislation expanding gambling in Illinois was passed by the state legislature at the start of June 2019 and signed by Governor J. The prospect of a casino location in Chicago predated the election with Illinois overseeing construction of gambling locations in areas outside of Chicago. In the 2019 mayoral election, the topic of constructing a casino in the city was a main subject to then-mayoral candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle with both signaling their approval for the project. Background įurther information: Proposed Chicago casino The resort is expected to begin construction in 2024, and open in 2026.

The plan was approved by the Chicago City Council in May 2022, and a State of Illinois gambling licence was issued in 2023. The complex will be located in the city's River West neighborhood near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. In May 2022, then Mayor Lori Lightfoot approved Bally's Corporation's bid to construct a casino complex in the city. 41★3′43″N 87☃8′45″W / 41.89528°N 87.64583°W / 41.89528 -87.64583īally's Chicago is a casino and entertainment venue temporarily located in the Medinah Temple Building, and a planned casino resort that will be built on the North Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago.

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