Illinois bill would allow Bally's Casino Chicago to extend temporary River North site

Thursday, January 15, 2026
CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a new sign Thursday that Bally's Chicago casino may not open their new facility this year, as previously expected.



A bill filed in the Illinois legislature, would allow casino operators in chicago to extend their licenses at a temporary facility by up to 18 months.

Bally's is the only casino operator in Chicago, with a temporary location in River North at the Medinah Temple Building, while it builds a permanent site along the Chicago River.

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Bally's said in a statement Thursday the bill allows them to continue operating the temporary casino "responsibly" through September 2027, if needed.

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