As expected, Chicago’s full city council voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Bally’s bid to run the city’s only casino.
The vote was 41 against just seven for the $1.7bn project for the city’s first casino, to open after 30 years of debate. The city had considered three rival bids for the licence.
Bally’s proposal should bring the city $200m annually in tax revenues, plus a $40m up-front payment from Bally’s. The project will include a new-built casino, hotel, theatre and restaurants, all within the former Tribune Publishing building (pictured).
The only hurdle yet to be completed is the formal approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.