Bally’s Chicago stalls hotel and amenities amid VGT dispute

Bally’s Chicago is pausing construction on most non-gaming amenities at its $1.7 billion River West casino complex, including a hotel, events center, and multiple restaurants, due to a standoff with the city over the legalization of video gambling terminals (VGTs) and compliance with the host community agreement. About 1,500 union workers are on hiatus while the casino itself remains on track for a 2027 opening, but the broader entertainment complex is in limbo pending resolution of the VGT dispute. Bally’s may withhold a $4 million city payment as talks continue, with a faster resumption possible if the city backs off the VGT rollout.