Twenty-eight members of the Chicago City Council have requested that Mayor Brandon Johnson intervene in the development of the Bally’s River West casino. The officials are calling for a mandatory order to ensure the operator resumes construction on the full scope of the project.
Scope of Development Obligations
The intervention follows a recent announcement from Bally’s regarding a "resetting of the pace" for specific sections of the development, including the hotel, event center, and select dining venues. While the casino floor remains on track for an early 2027 opening, the company cited the recent legalization of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in Illinois as a potential threat to projected revenue and the terms of its host community agreement.
In a formal letter to the mayor, the alderpersons emphasized that Bally’s contractual duties encompass the entire site, not just the gaming floor. They highlighted the necessity of completing the exhibition space, retail areas, green zones, and the Riverwalk. The group warned that failure to deliver the committed infrastructure could result in a public hearing or potential legal action.
Some council members have questioned the financial reasoning behind the slowdown. Alderman Brendan Reilly noted that the city has not yet issued any VGT licenses, suggesting the delay might stem from liquidity rather than regulatory concerns. "Many of us suspect that this is really a cash flow issue for Bally’s," Reilly stated.