Chicago’s $1.7B Bally’s Casino Is Taking Shape—But the Timeline Has Shifted

The permanent Bally’s Chicago casino, a $1.7 billion project, is under construction on the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site in River West. While earlier projections aimed for a 2026 debut, recent updates point to a more realistic opening in late 2027.

A Two-Part Development Taking Shape

Construction has moved beyond early groundwork and is now in the superstructure and interior build-out phase, with foundation and caisson work already completed.

The project is split into two major components:

A seven-story casino podium at the north end of the site
A 34-story hotel tower at the south end, expected to include around 500 rooms, along with a rooftop pool, sun deck and restaurant

Together, the structures will form one of the largest entertainment complexes ever built in Chicago.

Inside the Future Casino and Entertainment Hub

The scale of the project goes far beyond gaming.

Plans call for a casino floor featuring approximately:

3,300 slot machines
173 table games

But the broader vision is to create a full destination, not just a casino.

Additional features include:

A 3,000-seat theater for live events and performances
Around 10 dining options, including a food hall, cafes and upscale restaurants
Multiple entertainment and gathering spaces designed to keep visitors on-site

As Bally’s has positioned it, the goal is to deliver a venue that combines gaming with hospitality, dining and large-scale entertainment.

A Major Transformation of the Riverfront

One of the most impactful parts of the project is what’s happening outside the buildings.

The development will introduce a 2,000-foot extension of the Chicago Riverwalk, along with a two-acre public park and a new water taxi stop. These additions are designed to improve access to the river and create more usable public space in an area that has historically been closed off.

The surrounding infrastructure is also being upgraded, including improvements to the Chicago Avenue Bridge and the Halsted Street viaduct, both key connections to the site.

Temporary Casino Keeps Operations Running

While the permanent complex is still under construction, Bally’s has been operating a temporary casino at the Medinah Temple to maintain its presence in the market.

That temporary setup allows operations to continue while the larger vision takes shape, bridging the gap until the full resort is ready.

Why the Timeline Changed

Originally, the permanent casino was expected to open as early as 2026. But based on current construction progress and the scale of the project, a shift into 2027 has become more likely.

Projects of this size, especially those involving major infrastructure changes and riverfront development, often face evolving timelines. Legislative efforts have also been underway to align operational requirements with the updated schedule.

What This Means for Chicago

What was once an industrial site is being transformed into a large-scale entertainment district with public access to the river, new infrastructure and a mix of uses that extend beyond gaming.

And while the delayed timeline may push back the opening, the scale of what’s being built hasn’t changed.

If anything, as more of the structure rises, the impact is becoming easier to see.

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