Bally's Casino is pressing on with its plans to build a permanent establishment in Chicago. The mayor's office reaffirmed its commitment to these plans on Tuesday.
This follows a report suggesting that Mayor Brandon Johnson had some doubts.
Bally's paved the way on Tuesday for possible contracts with hundreds of businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans. These businesses will be essential in constructing and supplying the permanent casino complex that Bally's intends to launch in River West by 2026.
"It means a lot to know that there's a roadmap that's actually looking for organizations like ours to be providing the services that we actually provide in our community."
- Alvin Hargrove told LifeSafety365
The vendor fair followed closely after a publication by the Chicago Sun-Times which indicated that Johnson still holds uncertainties regarding Bally's $1.7 billion permanent casino plans.
The report surprised the general manager of the temporary casino in River North. He pointed out that this vendor fair implies a different scenario.
"I think that's the testament of our commitment, to move forward and everything's on track."
- Mark Wong, Bally's Chicago Casino Vice President and General Manager
The proposed casino is set to be constructed along the river, at the existing location of the Chicago Tribune publishing facility, situated in Alderman Walter Burnett's 27th Ward.
"This casino is going to be built, and there's going to be money to be made for everyone. So I will say this, 'I'm betting on Bally's, y 'all.'"
- Burnett
In May, Bally's registered its most substantial monthly income from the River North temporary facility since its inauguration in September.
"The city is pleased that Bally's has reached its highest revenue numbers so far, and continues to be committed to the permanent casino project."
- The mayor's office
Burnett reaffirmed his strong belief in the prospective success of the new casino.
"This is something that we need. It's not that's not just what we want. This is what the city needs. So, no way in the world that the mayor is going to stop that."
- Burnett
Although Bally's won't acquire the Tribune building until July 5, Burnett stated there will be a meeting this Friday to discuss plans for demolition. This move is another signal that Bally's is progressing with plans to establish the permanent casino.
"Our commitment to this project has never wavered and we are on track for a September 2026 opening. When we take possession of the property on July 5, work to prepare the site for demolition will begin immediately, such as capping water and electrical lines. Additional details about the demolition timeline and financing are forthcoming."
- Mark Wong, vice president and general manager of Bally's Chicago