Bally’s Chicago has confirmed that its permanent casino resort in River West remains on schedule to open in spring 2027, marking the latest milestone for one of the largest gaming developments in the United States. The $1.7 billion project has faced several delays since construction began, but the company says work is progressing on the site of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center.
Construction progresses despite earlier setbacks
The permanent casino is being built on a 30-acre plot of land along the Chicago River. Grand Avenue. A 500-room hotel, 3,400 slot machines, 173 gaming tables, a 3,000-seat theatre, ten food and beverage establishments, and a two-acre public riverside park will all be included in the resort when it is finished.
According to Bally’s, more than 1,000 construction workers have been involved in the project so far.
The spring 2027 opening date replaces the earlier targets of 2025 and September 2026. The revised timeline follows a series of construction and financing challenges that affected progress during the development.
Project faced work stoppages and funding challenges
The development encountered an estimated $800 million financing gap during construction and experienced two temporary work stoppages.
The first disruption came in late 2024 after demolition debris entered the Chicago River during site preparation. Construction paused while the area was cleared before work resumed.
A second suspension followed in May 2025 after the Illinois Gaming Board ordered work to stop because a waste-hauling subcontractor had not received prior regulatory approval. The subcontractor later came under scrutiny because of historical links to organised crime. Construction resumed about two weeks later after Bally’s introduced an updated subcontractor approval process.
The delays eventually led Bally’s to move the planned opening from September 2026 to spring 2027. Illinois lawmakers later approved changes to extend the project’s original statutory deadline.
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Temporary casino remains in operation
While construction continues, Bally’s has been operating a temporary casino at Medinah Temple in River North since September 2023.
The temporary venue has generated lower revenue than the company originally expected. Bally’s Chief Executive Officer Robeson Reeves acknowledged in the company’s annual report that performance at the temporary property remained below expectations.
The Illinois Gaming Board has extended the temporary operating licence until September 2026, allowing the venue to continue serving customers while work on the permanent resort continues.
Gaming revenue from the Chicago casino contributes towards funding the city’s police and fire pension obligations, making the permanent facility an important long-term source of revenue for the city.
Structural milestone reached
Construction reached a significant milestone on 30 April 2026 when Bally’s held a topping-out ceremony after completing the building’s structural frame.
The event was attended by Mayor Brandon Johnson, Bally’s Executive Chairman Soo Kim, union representatives and local officials. With the structural work complete, construction teams have moved on to interior development.
When the casino opens in spring 2027, the gaming floor will begin operating first. Other parts of the resort, including the hotel, theatre and additional entertainment facilities, are expected to open in phases through 2027 and into 2028.
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