Bally’s Resumes Chicago Casino Work After Delay
Key Takeaways
After a two-week mandatory pause, Bally’s has been allowed to resume construction of its $1.7 billion casino mega-project in Chicago. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) had issued a stop-work order after an unapproved waste disposal contractor with a questionable background was found operating on-site. Construction has been permitted to continue since May 15, 2025. The casino is still scheduled to open in September 2026.
Why the Construction Halt Was Imposed
On May 1, 2025, the IGB halted construction after it was revealed that Bally’s had employed D&P Construction Co. of Melrose Park on the site. The company had previously drawn attention for alleged ties to organized crime. Bally’s had failed to report the contractor’s involvement to the IGB as required.
The IGB responded immediately and demanded the removal of the company from the construction site. Bally’s complied with this order on May 2. In addition, the company committed to stricter oversight and full transparency in the selection of future service providers.
Approval to Resume Work
On May 15, 2025, the IGB gave the green light for construction to resume. In an official statement, the authority confirmed that no unapproved contractors are currently working on-site. Bally’s has corrected previous oversights and has pledged to properly report all involved companies moving forward.
Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s, commented positively on the decision: “We thank the IGB for their cooperation and look forward to advancing the project.”
Project Scope and Timeline
The planned casino is being built on the site of the former Chicago Tribune printing plant in the River West neighbourhood. It is set to become the largest casino in Illinois. Planned features include:
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- A hotel with 500 rooms
- 4,000 gaming positions (slots and table games)
- 10 restaurants
- A 3,000-seat theatre
- An exhibition space
Foundation work began in early 2025. Despite the interruption, Bally’s remains committed to opening the casino in September 2026.
Impact on the Industry
This incident highlights how strict regulatory authorities in Illinois are when it comes to casino projects. The use of unreported contractors can have serious consequences — up to and including the loss of a license. Bally’s responded quickly to mitigate the damage and continues to cooperate with the IGB.
For other operators in Illinois, this case sends a clear message: transparency and regulatory compliance are critical to the success of major gaming projects.
Our Assessment
The construction halt was a setback, but Bally’s responded quickly and professionally. The resumption of work shows that the company is taking its regulatory responsibilities seriously. The IGB remains vigilant, which is important for the integrity of the project and public trust.
The casino in Chicago will be a major milestone for Bally’s and the gaming industry in Illinois. What will be crucial is whether Bally’s implements the promised oversight mechanisms over the long term. The coming months will reveal how well the company has learned from this incident.
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