US casino operator Bally’s Corporation has been awarded Chicago’s sole casino license to develop a casino-resort on the site of the Tribune Publishing Center.
The decision, announced by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot overnight (Asia time), will see Bally’s invest US$1.7 billion into the project, which will include a 3,000-seat theatre, an Immerse Agency exhibition experience, an extension of the Riverwalk, a pedestrian bridge, a 500-room hotel tower, an outdoor park and outdoor music venue, an amenity terrace featuring a large pool spa, fitness center and sun deck, plus six restaurants, cafes and a food hall.
The casino will offer space for 3,400 slots and 170 table games, while the development will create 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent operational jobs, Mayor Lightfoot said.
Bally’s successful bid represents the latest in a series of aggressive expansion moves currently being made by the company, which recently expressed interest in developing an integrated resort in Japan.
Mayor Lightfoot said Chicago chose the Bally’s proposal “Following significant analyses and community input on all aspects of our three finalists for Chicago’s casino license.
“The selection committee and I have chosen Bally’s to move forward in the development of the City’s first integrated casino resort. We are confident that Bally’s Tribune Publishing Center development will shore up the City’s pension funds, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and lead to a bright financial future for our city.”
Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim said, “We would like to thank Mayor Lightfoot and her office for conducting a tough, but fair, RFP process, and selecting Bally’s Chicago as the final bidder for the City’s casino.
“Chicago is a unique and vibrant city, deserving of world-class gaming and entertainment destination that is of, by, and for the people by driving the local economy, supporting local labor, creating multigenerational wealth for minority investors, and showcasing the best of what the City has to offer. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Mayor Lightfoot, and all of our valued community partners on this exciting endeavor.”
