video gambling terminals

Bally’s has hired the law firm of former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to challenge the city’s legalization of video gambling terminals, which it claims violates a casino host agreement negotiated by Lightfoot. Critics argue this creates a conflict of interest, as Lightfoot previously oversaw the agreement that Bally’s now seeks to contest.

Chicago’s City Council remains divided on allowing video gambling machines six months after their legalization in the 2026 budget, despite some businesses receiving state-issued licenses. Bars and businesses are awaiting a resolution as the debate continues.

Bally’s proposed installing slot machine lounges at O’Hare and Midway Airports to replace $6.8 million in projected revenue from newly legalized video gambling terminals in Chicago. The city’s 2026 budget assumed 80% of eligible establishments would apply for licenses, but delays in processing have created a revenue uncertainty. Ald. Anthony Beale highlighted concerns about sweepstakes machines operating illegally while advocating for airport slot machine revenue.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's allies defeated Ald. Anthony Beale's attempt to ban sweepstakes machines in Chicago, allowing approximately 7,000 such devices to remain operational. Beale argued the machines compete unfairly with video gambling terminals and avoid city revenue, while opponents, including Ald. Jason Ervin, claimed banning them would harm Black-owned businesses excluded from other legal gambling sectors.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing the City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development to repeal Chicago’s video gambling ban, citing potential conflicts with Bally’s casino host agreement. The move has sparked debate over revenue and commitments, with Council members like Mike Rodriguez indicating ongoing vote-counting and discussions about Bally’s financial obligations to the city.