Bally's, Hard Rock, Rush Street finalists for Chicago casino license; two McCormick Place bids out after concerns
Bally's Corporation, Hard Rock Chicago and Rivers 78 are the three finalists for the sole casino license in Chicago. The city will choose a final developer and operator of the Chicago casino for approval by City Council. Chicago first declared intentions to develop a casino more than 30 years ago. It is expected to open in 2035. Hard Rock's proposal also included plans for a temporary casino in MPEA’s North Building. MP EAA had expressed concerns about contiguous connections between convention and casino space. They had also expressed concern about the potential for locating a temporarily casino facility within a hotel or an alternate location.
Bally's Corporation proposes a $1.74 billion casino project and hotel on a portion of the current Tribune Publishing Plant. The proposal includes a 3,000-seat theater, Immerse Agency exhibition experience, a sports museum, extension of Riverwalk, pedestrian bridge, 500-key hotel tower, outdoor park, an outdoor music venue, amenity terrace featuring a large pool spa, fitness center and sun deck, six restaurants, cafes, and a food hall. Bally’s is slated to open a temporary casino in Q2 2023 with the permanent location anticipated for Q1 2026.
The HR Chicago proposal includes the development of a $1.74 billion casino project on a portion of the site known as ONE Central. The casino will offer space for 3,000 slots and 166 table games. Hard Rock expects the temporary casino to open in Q2 2023 and the permanent casino in 3rd 2025.
Rivers – 78 proposal includes the development of a $1.62 billion casino project on a portion of the site known as “The 78” The proposal also includes a riverfront plaza, observation tower, a 300-room hotel tower and eight restaurants, cafes, food hall, five bars and lounges. The bidder has projected the project will add 3,410 to 4,375 construction jobs and 3.068 permanent casino jobs. Rivers plans to open a temporary casino on the 78 site in Q2 2024 and the permanent location in 4 years.
The finalist and the City will participate in a community engagement meeting April 5-7 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.,m CT. The finalists will be evaluated with respect to the same core goals laid out in the initial RFP. A host community agreement will then be prepared and evaluated by an Aldermanic special committee. All of the members of City Council will play a role in making the final recommendation.
April 5: Hard Rock at Harold Washington Library, April 6: Bally’s Tribune at Tribune Publishing Plant, and April 7: Rivers 78 at Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum.
