Flying in and out of Chicago could soon look a bit different—city officials and Bally’s representatives are reportedly exploring installing slot machines at O’Hare and Midway.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jill Jaworski announced the effort during the first City Council meeting regarding the 2026 budget proposal on Wednesday, according to the Chicago Sun Times.
Bally’s in talks with city officials
Jaworski stated Bally’s associates have expressed interest in the concept and that discussions with city officials are ongoing.
The CFO acknowledged that installing the slot machines would require navigating numerous logistical and regulatory hurdles.
Specifics of the proposal include limiting the machines to designated lounge areas, rather than interspersing them throughout airport concourses.
City leaders express mixed feedback
Support for the concept among city council members is mixed, according to the Sun-Times. In August, mayoral aide Jason Lee dismissed the idea as a unaligned with public interest and Chicago’s culture.
However, other city leaders like Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) have championed the measure as a critical means of generating revenue. The proposal comes as Chicago grapples with a $1.15 billion deficit for the 2026 fiscal year.
Villegas reportedly has submitted an ordinance which could authorize the installations in the near future. For now however, the future of gambling at O’Hare and Midway is up in the air.