Bally’s Chicago Casino Proposal Gets Green Light

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 01/04/2023

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Bally’s Chicago Casino

It has been revealed that the Chicago Planning Commission has now approved plans that were submitted for the new Bally’s casino.

Proposals had already been prepared after the gaming giant won the bid for a huge casino development in Chicago, and earlier this week the planning agency for the city gave the company the green light to move forward with the development with a 12-1 vote.

The approval means that the $1.7 billion development can now get underway subject to final reviews, so it marks an important milestone for Bally’s as well as for the city.

Approval from the planning agency came despite objections that had been made by a key alderperson, and the plan was embraced by the city mayor, Lori Lightfoot, as well as being approved by the planning commission for Chicago.

The commission is made up of members from different backgrounds and positions including alderpersons, appointees for mayor, and heads of departments. Their role is to provide advice to the City Council when it comes to major development projects such as this.

Plans Now Go to Council for Final Review

Now that the commission has given approval, the plans will have to go back to the council for a final review. The company is also still waiting on the go-ahead from the Illinois Gaming Board, which is necessary for the casino to start operating.

ABC Eyewitness News reported earlier this week:

The panel’s recommendation, approved on a 12-1 vote, goes to the council for final review, which could come Wednesday. Burnett, a member of the commission, recused himself from the vote. The only opposing vote came from architect Laura Flores, the commission’s chairperson.

At present, everything seems to be running smoothly and in favor of Bally’s, which means that Chicago will be able to look forward to the creation of a huge new entertainment hub.

A Huge Resort with Many Benefits for the City

Approval of the plans means that the city can now look forward to a sprawling casino resort that will bring many benefits to Chicago.

One of the key benefits that the new development will bring to the city is more tax dollars, and state finances could see a huge influx of cash because of the tax revenue that comes from the new casino.

Another of the benefits is that it will help to increase tourism in the area, as the city will most likely see many people visiting from other areas in order to enjoy the variety of facilities and amenities that the venue will offer.

The boost in tourism will also have an impact on the local economy, and other businesses will benefit from the increase in visitors to the area.

Once the casino has been created, it will also have a positive impact on employment, as it means that many new jobs will be created in different areas of the casino and hotel. In addition, it will provide a host of new entertainment options for locals and visitors to the area to enjoy.