Bally's slows parts of Chicago casino project amid dispute over video gaming terminals, ald. divided

August 11, 2026 - 07:08

Bally's Chicago is hitting pause on certain portions of its permanent casino construction, a move that comes as city leaders clash over whether to allow a major expansion of video gaming terminals across the city. The company has confirmed that work on some areas of the project will slow down while the political battle plays out.

At the heart of the dispute is a proposal that could bring hundreds of new video gaming terminals into bars, restaurants, and other venues throughout Chicago. Supporters argue the terminals would generate much-needed tax revenue and help local businesses compete with suburban establishments that already offer the machines. But Bally's and some aldermen warn that flooding the market with thousands of additional terminals would undercut the casino's ability to draw customers, threatening the financial viability of the project the city has heavily invested in.

The City Council remains split on the issue. Some aldermen from neighborhoods outside the downtown core see the terminals as a quick way to boost their local economies, while others side with Bally's, noting that the casino deal was built on promises of jobs and tax dollars that depend on a steady stream of visitors. The slowdown affects only certain parts of the build, not the entire site, but it signals that the company is unwilling to pour more money into a project whose returns could shrink if the terminal expansion goes through.

Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming weeks, with both sides trying to find a compromise. For now, the future of the casino's full buildout hangs in the balance, and the aldermen remain as divided as ever.