Bally’s Casino Chicago Moves Forward After Early Setback

Construction is well underway on Bally’s Casino Chicago, the city’s flagship gaming and entertainment complex set to open in late 2026.

Located on the site of the former Chicago Tribune printing plant along the Chicago River, the $1.7 billion development spans 30 acres.

It ranks among the largest urban projects in recent Chicago history.

The site is being transformed into a major destination featuring a 500-room, 34-storey hotel tower, a 3,000-seat theatre, a 2-acre public park, six restaurants, cafés, a food hall, and a 2,000-foot extension of the riverwalk along the lower riverbank.

Bally’s plans to deliver the entire development in a single phase, backed by a $940 million funding facility from Gaming and Leisure Properties. 

The Illinois Gaming Board approved the site plan earlier this year, and key groundwork, including demolition of the former newspaper plant, is nearly complete.

“This is a once-in-a-generation project that will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of commuters and enhance the surrounding community,” said Eric Reid, chief operating officer at AECOM Tishman.

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The project is being delivered by the Chicago Community Builders Collective—a joint venture of minority-led firms including Brown & Momen, UJAMAA Construction, d’Escoto Inc., Milhouse Engineering, and SQN Associates. Providence-based Gilbane Building Co. and Powers & Sons Construction from Indiana are also involved.

Vendor Issues

In May, construction was briefly paused after an unauthorised waste hauler, D & P Construction, was found working on-site without proper disclosure. The company had previously been linked to organised crime figures two decades ago. 

The issue was quickly resolved, and the Illinois Gaming Board confirmed construction could resume with new compliance procedures in place.

“Bally’s has disclosed, and assured the ongoing disclosure of, all proposed vendors to the [board],” said board spokesperson Beth Kaufman.

Since then, the project has continued to advance steadily, with the first structural work now visible above ground.

Bally’s is currently operating a temporary casino in downtown Chicago while awaiting the completion of the permanent facility.

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