Chicago’s entertainment landscape is undergoing dramatic transformation as major casino developments reshape urban development, economic opportunity, and visitor attraction. Two significant casino projects—Bally’s Chicago in River West and Wind Creek Chicago Southland in the south suburbs—represent billions in investment and thousands of permanent jobs. Bally’s $1.7 billion permanent casino is nearing major construction milestones with expected late 2026 opening, while Wind Creek’s $529 million south suburban casino already opened in November 2024 with its hotel now operational. These developments signal Chicago’s emerging role as a premier gaming and entertainment destination.
Bally’s Chicago: $1.7 Billion River West Development
Bally’s Chicago represents one of the most significant entertainment projects ever undertaken in the city. Located at the former Chicago Tribune printing facility site (705 West Chicago Avenue and North Halsted Street) in River West, the $1.7 billion development will feature a 500-room luxury hotel, 3,300 slot machines, 173 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, six dining venues, and a two-acre public riverwalk with green space.
Bally’s Corporation partnered with Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI) to fund the project through a $1.19 billion financing structure. GLPI purchased the Tribune property in 2024 for $250 million and is channeling total investment of $1.19 billion into the permanent casino development. Construction is being managed by the Chicago Community Builders Collective, a minority-led construction partnership integrating local firms and providing employment opportunities for Chicago-based workers.
Construction Progress and Timeline
As of October 2025, major construction milestones have been achieved. Crews completed demolition of the Tribune buildings, installed caissons, finished trench excavations, and connected concrete foundations to the hotel’s core. Waterproofing membranes have been installed, caisson caps and grade beams placed, and the first steel crane assembled for vertical construction.
Current construction focuses on concrete pours for structural elements including shallow foundation walls, elevator cores, and basement slabs. Hotel construction has progressed to its second-level deck with preparations underway for additional vertical work. The casino and hotel are expected to open in late December 2026, representing one of Chicago’s most eagerly anticipated entertainment openings.
Urbanize Chicago provides detailed coverage of ongoing construction progress, permits issued, and development milestones tracking the project’s advancement toward completion.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Bally’s estimates the casino will create approximately 3,000 construction jobs during development phase and 3,000 permanent jobs once operational. Employment will span hospitality, gaming, management, culinary, entertainment, and administrative roles. These permanent positions represent significant economic opportunity for Chicago residents and contribute to workforce development across multiple skill levels.
Beyond direct employment, the casino generates economic benefits through hotel tax revenue, gaming tax revenue, vendor contracts, construction spending, and visitor spending at restaurants and entertainment venues. The development is estimated to retain entertainment dollars in Chicago that previously flowed to gaming destinations in Indiana and other nearby jurisdictions.
Bally’s Temporary Casino at Medinah Temple
While permanent construction continues, Bally’s operates a temporary casino at Medinah Temple (600 North Wabash Avenue) in River North. The 34,000-square-foot temporary facility features 800 slot machines, 56 table games, three restaurants, and two bars. Since opening September 9, 2023, the temporary casino has posted consistent revenue growth, demonstrating strong consumer demand for gaming entertainment in Chicago.
The temporary casino provides immediate gaming revenue, establishes Bally’s brand presence in Chicago, and generates employment while permanent construction proceeds. Revenue from the temporary location helps fund permanent development and demonstrates financial viability supporting long-term facility operations.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland: Already Operational Success
Wind Creek Chicago Southland, located in East Hazel Crest and Homewood (17300 South Halsted), represents the first successful major casino opening in the Chicago metropolitan area. The $529 million development opened its 70,000-square-foot casino on November 11, 2024, and recently opened its AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel (April 2025).
The casino features 1,400 slot machines, 56 table games, seven restaurants, two bars, and a skyline lounge. The 16-story hotel tower includes 255 guest rooms, 43 suites, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, and rooftop restaurant. Wind Creek Hospitality, owned and managed by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, operates the property with tribal gaming expertise spanning multiple U.S. locations.
Wind Creek’s operational success validates gaming economics for the Chicago market and demonstrates consumer demand for casino entertainment. The south suburban location captures gaming revenue from residents previously traveling to Indiana and Wisconsin casinos, retaining entertainment spending within the region.
Chicago Casino Regulatory Environment
The Illinois Gaming Board provides regulatory oversight and licensing authority for casino operations in Illinois. All projects require extensive investigation, approval processes, and ongoing compliance monitoring ensuring integrity and preventing organized crime infiltration. Illinois Gaming Board maintains rigorous standards protecting consumers and ensuring financial accountability for gaming operations.
Past investigations discovered unapproved vendors and potential organized crime connections, resulting in construction halts and regulatory enforcement. These investigations demonstrate the Gaming Board’s commitment to maintaining industry integrity, though they can delay project timelines and increase development costs.
Economic Benefits for Chicago Region
- Job creation: 6,000+ direct permanent jobs (Bally’s and Wind Creek combined)
- Construction employment: 3,000+ jobs during development phase
- Gaming tax revenue: Significant state and local tax contributions
- Hotel tax revenue: Increased visitor spending and accommodation taxes
- Vendor spending: Contracts with suppliers, contractors, and service providers
- Tourism attraction: Entertainment destination drawing regional and national visitors
- Commercial development: Catalyst for additional development in River West and south suburbs
Future Gaming Landscape in Chicago Area
Bally’s and Wind Creek represent Chicago’s entry into major gaming markets previously served by destination casinos in Indiana (Gary, East Chicago) and Wisconsin. With two substantial gaming properties operating in the Chicago market, the region is positioned to capture increased gaming revenue, job creation, and visitor spending. Both properties will compete for market share while collectively elevating Chicago’s entertainment destination appeal.
FAQ: Chicago Casinos and Gaming
When will Bally’s Chicago permanent casino open?
Bally’s Chicago is expected to open in late December 2026 pending continued construction progress and regulatory approvals.
How many jobs will casinos create?
Bally’s and Wind Creek combined will create 6,000+ permanent jobs plus 3,000 construction jobs during development phases.
Is Wind Creek casino already open?
Yes. Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino opened November 11, 2024, and the hotel opened April 11, 2025. The facility is fully operational.
What gaming options will Bally’s offer?
Bally’s will feature 3,300 slot machines, 173 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, six restaurants, and a 500-room luxury hotel.
Where is Bally’s Chicago located?
Bally’s is located at 705 West Chicago Avenue (at North Halsted Street) in the River West neighborhood, on the former Chicago Tribune printing site.
Experience Chicago’s New Gaming Entertainment
Chicago’s casino development represents significant economic opportunity, employment creation, and entertainment destination advancement. Whether visiting Wind Creek’s operational south suburban facility or anticipating Bally’s River West grand opening in late 2026, Chicago’s gaming landscape offers unprecedented opportunity. For updates on casino developments, employment opportunities, and entertainment information, track Illinois Gaming Board announcements and casino company news.
