You may have noticed the ample construction activity at the site formerly known as the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center—soon to be home to the $1.7 billion Bally’s Chicago casino.
Bally’s is expected to bring a mini Vegas to the heart of Chicago. The casino will showcase a 35-story hotel tower featuring 500 rooms. Additionally, it will house an expansive gaming floor with 3,400 slot machines and 173 table games. Beyond gaming, there will be a state-of-the-art 3,000-seat theater, a sprawling 2-acre public park, and a 2,000-foot-long extension to the Riverwalk.
What to expect for Chicago’s first-ever full-scale casino
- A 35-story glass-and-metal tower set to rise at the northern edge of the site, crafted to resemble a “beacon” offering panoramic views of the skyline.
- The main building will feature an eight-story layout, with the gaming floor situated on a lower level, including multiple levels dedicated to parking, diverse dining options, and lively entertainment venues.
- The landscape will be expanded to include a 2-acre public park and a 2,000-foot-long extension of the Riverwalk, complete with a water taxi stop and a pedestrian bridge for easy access.
Will it be done by this year?
There are growing concerns that the development will miss its targeted opening deadline of September 9, 2026, which is now less than six months away. If you drive past the site, it seems quite unlikely.