NEWS
12 May 2023
Bally's Chicago Casino gains approval
By Gambling Insider

The Chicago Department of Planning and Urban Development has officially accepted the proposed site plan for Bally's Chicago Casino.

The mixed-use entertainment area's construction is scheduled to start in late 2024. Over 3,000 full-time employments are expected to be created because of the $1.7bn development.

Renderings of Bally's Chicago's future permanent casino resort have also been made public.

A casino, food hall, restaurants, a theatre, an event space, a museum and exhibition area, VIP sections as well as a 500-key hotel are all part of the new casino resort development, which takes advantage of the urban riverfront site.

The more than 10 acres of outdoor space include a park for the neighbourhood, which will allow different programs like farmers markets and art fairs.

Joyen Vakil, Bally's Senior VP of Design and Development, said: "Inspired by the city's interplay – grit and grandeur, structure and the organic, historically-charged and cutting-edge – the design of Bally's Chicago creates a sense of wonder and adventure accessible to everyone.

"The plan is focused on bringing in nature and wellness through the addition of numerous public plazas and parks."

Several minority-owned enterprises with a presence in Chicago are part of the development team. The project's master plan was created by SCB (Hotel, Rooftop Restaurant, Spa and F&B Venues) in association with V3 Companies, Gensler, and Site Design Group.

Gensler is designing the casino, museum/exhibition space, theatre/event centre, F&B venues, river walk, south park and public realm.

The construction combines green space, venues for arts and entertainment and upscale hospitality spaces.

Vakil said: "We are confident that this team will bring to life this one-of-a-kind urban space. The exciting design celebrates Chicago's motto, urbs in horto–a city in a garden–and creates a dynamic public realm on site."