Overview
- State Rep. Kam Buckner filed legislation authorizing the Illinois Gaming Board to grant a six-month extension with two optional three-month renewals for Bally’s temporary license at Medinah Temple.
- Bally’s says it remains committed to the $1.7 billion River West complex and could continue operating at Medinah Temple until September 2027 if needed.
- The temporary license is currently set to expire in September 2026 under a three-year allowance that has already been extended once.
- Construction has been slowed by a December 2024 demolition incident that sent debris into the Chicago River, a May 2025 stop-work order over an unauthorized waste hauler, and a redesign to protect city water infrastructure.
- Temporary operations have underperformed projections, with 2025 adjusted gross receipts near $125 million and about 1.3 million visitors, heightening concerns about revenue expected to bolster city pension funds.