The Bally’s Chicago temporary casino maximizes potential tax revenue for the city by retrofitting an existing building to open two to three years before the permanent casino. The selected temporary facility, the vacant Medinah Temple in River North, was extensively restored in the early 2000s and previously occupied by a Bloomingdale’s home store. The landmark exterior needed only modifications to flags and signage for the temporary casino. Renovations to the three-story interior remove retail-focused features and accommodate 800 gaming positions, as well as food and beverage options.

DMA worked with Bally’s Chicago on its winning casino proposal and continues to support development progress on the temporary facility. Steps include conducting community engagement sessions and gaining plan approval from the Chicago Landmark Commission. The Bally’s Chicago temporary operation is expected to generate $55 million in taxes for Chicago.