A majority of Chicago City Council members have accused Bally's of using a dispute over video‑gambling terminals to slow progress on its River West casino and entertainment complex, a project valued at $1.7 billion. The allegation was voiced on August 12, 2026 by 28 aldermen who say the company is citing the ongoing terminal battle as a justification for construction delays.
Council members contend that the video‑gambling issue, while still unresolved, does not preclude Bally's from moving forward with the development. They argue that the company’s financial capacity to sustain the project has diminished, making the claimed delays appear unfounded. The aldermen’s statements suggest they believe Bally's could continue work despite the dispute.
The dispute arises as Chicago debates broader fiscal measures, including a proposed corporate head tax and alternative financing options promoted by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Those proposals aim to address city revenue needs and could impact large‑scale projects such as the River West casino. The council’s criticism of Bally's aligns with the mayor’s efforts to explore new funding mechanisms for municipal initiatives.
Bally's has not provided a public response within the scope of this report. The conflict highlights the tension between private development timelines and municipal policy discussions, with the $1.7 billion casino project at the center of both economic and regulatory considerations in Chicago’s River West district.