Chicago Alderman Bypasses Mayor to Launch Video Gambling
Ald. Anthony Beale notified the Illinois Gaming Board to begin video gambling licensing despite Mayor Johnson’s opposition to the repeal.
A political showdown is unfolding in Chicago after Ald. Anthony Beale (9th Ward) moved to bypass Mayor Brandon Johnson in an effort to jumpstart the city’s newly legalized video gambling industry.
Despite the Chicago City Council lifting its longstanding ban on video gambling as part of the $16.6 billion 2026 city budget, Beale accuses the mayor’s administration of deliberately stalling implementation while exploring a repeal.
The Conflict: Budget Passage vs. Executive Delay
The City Council approved lifting the ban in late 2025 as a revenue measure to help balance the 2026 budget. However, state regulators have not yet begun accepting license applications from Chicago businesses.
Beale argues the delay is intentional.
According to Beale, the administration has failed to provide required notification to the Illinois Gaming Board, effectively freezing the rollout.
The mayor has not directly denied discussions about reversing the policy. Senior adviser Jason Lee acknowledged publicly that repeal remains “one of the remedies” under consideration as officials review zoning and equity concerns.
Beale’s Move: Formal State Notification
On February 11, 2026, Beale sent a formal letter to the Illinois Gaming Board asserting that Chicago’s ban has officially been lifted.
Key details:
- The letter serves as official notification to the state
- It includes a certified copy of the revenue ordinance
- It was co-signed by at least 15 other City Council members
Beale’s goal is to compel the Illinois Gaming Board to begin accepting license applications from Chicago establishments, regardless of the mayor’s position.
The move effectively shifts the dispute from City Hall to state regulators.
The Financial Stakes
The 2026 city budget assumes $6.8 million in revenue from video gambling terminals this year.
Supporters of rollout argue:
- The revenue is already baked into the budget
- Chicago is losing money while suburbs collect gaming taxes
- Delays jeopardize fiscal planning
However, the city’s casino partner, Bally’s, has warned that lifting the video gambling ban could violate its host community agreement.
Bally’s is constructing a $1.7 billion permanent casino in River West and has cautioned that expanded neighborhood video gambling could:
- Reduce projected casino revenue
- Cost the city up to $74 million annually
- Jeopardize more than 1,000 jobs
The company argues that widespread video gambling machines could dilute the exclusivity value embedded in its casino agreement.
Political and Legal Questions
The Illinois Gaming Board must now determine whether Beale’s letter constitutes sufficient legal notification to begin licensing.
The key issues include:
- Whether executive notification is required
- Whether council passage alone satisfies state law
- Whether potential repeal efforts affect implementation
Meanwhile, City Council members may vote on a potential repeal as early as February 18, 2026.
If repeal advances, the issue could become one of the most contentious fiscal debates of the year.
Why This Matters
Chicago’s video gambling battle sits at the intersection of:
- Municipal budgeting
- Casino contract obligations
- Executive vs. legislative authority
- Gambling expansion policy
The outcome could reshape:
- City revenue forecasts
- The competitive balance between neighborhood establishments and the Bally’s casino
- The mayor’s leverage in fiscal negotiations
It also raises broader questions about governance: can a mayor effectively delay a policy embedded in an adopted budget?
What Happens Next
Several developments are imminent:
- Illinois Gaming Board review of Beale’s notification
- Possible City Council repeal vote
- Potential legal challenges from stakeholders
If the Board begins licensing, Chicago bars and restaurants could install video gambling terminals within months.
If repeal succeeds, the city could reverse course before the industry launches.
Bottom Line
Ald. Anthony Beale has taken the unusual step of bypassing Mayor Brandon Johnson to force the rollout of Chicago’s newly legalized video gambling industry.
With millions in projected revenue, a major casino project at stake, and repeal discussions underway, the battle could redefine the city’s gambling landscape in 2026.
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