Illinois bill aims to extend Bally’s Chicago temporary casino license to 2027
Illinois legislators introduced a bill to let Bally’s Chicago keep operating its temporary Medinah Temple casinothrough late 2027 as delays push back the permanent River West casino opening.
State lawmakers in Illinois are considering legislation that would let Bally’s continue operating its temporary Chicago casino location at the historic Medinah Temple well beyond the original deadline as construction delays push back the opening of its permanent River West casino resort.
The bill, introduced by State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) , would allow casino regulators to extend Bally’s temporary license for up to another year, giving the company legal flexibility while the $1.7 billion permanent casino, hotel, and entertainment complex is completed.
Why the Extension Is Needed
Bally’s has been operating a temporary casino since September 2023 at Medinah Temple, a landmark Moorish Revival building on Wabash Avenue that has served as a stopgap gaming venue while the downtown permanent facility is under construction.
Under the original plan, Bally’s permanent casino, part of a decades-long push to bring a major gambling resort to Chicago, was expected to open in 2026. But multiple construction and regulatory setbacks have made that timeline increasingly unlikely.
Issues have included demolition stoppages, a work halt ordered by regulators due to an unauthorized waste hauler, and complex site redesign challenges along the Chicago River.
Because the temporary casino license is slated to expire in September 2026, Bally’s faces the risk of a gap in operations unless the extension is enacted.
The proposed bill would allow the Illinois Gaming Board to grant an initial six-month extension followed by two optional three-month extensions, potentially keeping the Medinah Temple location open through September 2027.
Details of the Bill and Support
The legislation would amend state gaming law to give regulators the authority to prolong temporary casino operations beyond the existing license term, a safeguard sought by Bally’s executives and local leaders. Bally’s officials say the extension would provide “operational certainty” while construction continues on the River West site.
Bally’s senior vice president of corporate development, Christopher Jewett, indicated the company remains “fully committed to the construction of its permanent casino and entertainment destination” but acknowledged that an extension could be necessary if delays continue.
Rep. Buckner, whose legislative district includes the Medinah Temple, framed the proposal as a practical response to unforeseen construction challenges, noting that the original temporary timeline was “pretty short” given the project’s complexity.
What This Means for Bally’s Chicago
If the bill passes the Illinois General Assembly and is signed by the governor, Bally’s would be able to operate its temporary Chicago casino at Medinah Temple while continuing work on the permanent facility.
That permanent casino is designed to be one of the state’s largest entertainment complexes, with gaming, a hotel, dining, and other attractions.
The extension helps preserve continuity of casino revenue and jobs in downtown Chicago, while also giving Bally’s additional time to finish construction without abruptly ceasing operations when the current temporary license expires.
Industry and City Context
Bally’s project is part of Chicago’s broader casino vision that began with state approval in 2019 for a permanent resort. Bally’s was awarded the Chicago license and began operations at Medinah Temple in 2023 to start generating gaming revenue and build a customer base.
However, revenue from the temporary venue has lagged original projections, and competition from other new Illinois casinos, including in Rockford and Waukegan, has shifted market dynamics. Some observers say the extension could help Bally’s stabilize its performance amid a growing, competitive statewide gaming market.
Next Steps and Timeline
The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and would need to clear committees and full legislative votes before becoming law. Support from city and state officials will be key in determining whether the measure advances in time to prevent a disruption in Bally’s operations.
If enacted, it would represent a major legislative intervention to support one of Chicago’s most ambitious tourism and entertainment projects, even as the timeline for the permanent casino’s opening continues to shift toward 2027.
Conclusion: Keeping Gaming Alive During Construction
The push to extend Bally’s temporary casino license underscores the complexities of large-scale urban development and the importance of legal and regulatory flexibility when timelines slip.
For gamblers, workers, and tourists, an extension would mean continued access to gaming and entertainment downtown, while giving Bally’s extra runway to complete its permanent Chicago resort, a long-anticipated centerpiece of the city’s entertainment landscape.
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