If you love hitting the slots, you’re probably aware of Bally’s—a sprawling casino being built by the Chicago River, with an opening deadline set for September 9, 2026. However, it appears that Bally’s may not open this year and could also miss the beginning of next year.
Bally’s Chicago won’t open its massive riverfront casino in 2026 as planned
According to CDC Gaming, the Illinois General Assembly authorized the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) to allow a temporary facility for a Chicago casino to continue operating beyond the previously specified three-year deadline in state law.
Although Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has not yet signed Senate Bill 3019, the gaming board, appointed by the governor, authorized IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter to grant Bally’s Chicago an additional year to complete its permanent casino.
The new deadline for the completion of the Bally’s Chicago property, which is currently under construction, is set for September 9, 2027.
When completed, the resort will include 3,300 slot machines and 173 table games, a hotel tower with 500 rooms, a theater with a seating capacity of 3,000, six restaurants, several cafes, and a food hall. Additionally, there will be a two-acre public park and an extension of the riverwalk at Chicago Avenue.
