BALLY'S CHICAGO TOPS OFF PERMANENT CASINO, MARKING MAJOR CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE ON PATH TO SPRING 2027 OPENING

Bally's Chicago (BALY) marked a topping-off at its permanent casino site on May 1, 2026, placing the final structural beam for a $1.7 billion riverfront development slated to open in spring 2027.

Rhea-AI Summary

Bally's Chicago (BALY) marked a topping-off at its permanent casino site on May 1, 2026, placing the final structural beam for a $1.7 billion riverfront development slated to open in spring 2027.

The project is expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs, has employed more than 1,000 tradespeople to date, and will include a 500-room hotel, 3,400 slot machines, 173 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, 10 food-and-beverage venues, and riverfront public spaces.

Positive

• Topping-off milestone completed on May 1, 2026
• Development sized at $1.7 billion
• Project expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs
• 500-room hotel plus 3,000-seat theater and major amenities

Negative

• Opening scheduled for spring 2027, leaving timeline >10 months
• Large $1.7 billion capital commitment tied to project completion

Argus May 1 session

-0.60% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – BALY

On May 1, the day this news came out, BALY closed 0.60% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the May 1 session.

Market Context

This announcement highlights a key construction milestone for Bally’s Chicago, confirming progress o...

Analysis

This announcement highlights a key construction milestone for Bally’s Chicago, confirming progress on the $1.7 billion riverfront casino resort slated to open in spring 2027. The project adds significant scale with 3,400 slots, 173 table games, a 500-room hotel, and a 3,000-seat theater. In the context of recent financings and expansion moves, investors may focus on execution, regulatory and construction timelines, and how this property ultimately integrates with Bally’s broader growth and redevelopment strategy.

Key Figures

Chicago project cost: $1.7 billion Permanent jobs: 3,000 jobs Site size: 30 acres +5 more

Chicago project cost

$1.7 billion

Permanent Bally’s Chicago riverfront development

Permanent jobs

3,000 jobs

Expected permanent positions once Chicago casino opens

Site size

30 acres

Redevelopment of former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site

Slot machines

3,400 slot machines

Planned capacity for Bally’s Chicago casino floor

Table games

173 table games

Planned table games at Bally’s Chicago

Hotel rooms

500-room tower

Planned hotel capacity at Bally’s Chicago

Entertainment theater

3,000-seat theater

Planned entertainment venue at Bally’s Chicago

Parking spaces

3,300 parking spaces

Planned parking capacity at Bally’s Chicago

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 16

5 events

1. Mar 16

   Prelim 2025 results

   24h Move

   -0.5%

   Strong preliminary 2025 revenue growth and major strategic transactions.

2. Mar 12

   Earnings date set

   24h Move

   -2.6%

   Announcement of timing for Q4 and full‑year 2025 earnings release.

3. Feb 26

   Property acquisition

   24h Move

   +2.8%

   Agreement to buy Sam’s Town Shreveport casino and hotel from Boyd Gaming.

4. Feb 11

   Financing & sale‑leaseback

   24h Move

   -6.3%

   New $1.1B term loan and $700M Twin River Lincoln sale‑leaseback to refinance debt.

5. Jan 13

   Event hosting

   24h Move

   -0.1%

   Hosting televised boxing combine at Bally’s Atlantic City as a promotional event.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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New Renderings Reveal Latest Vision for $1.7 Billion Riverfront Destination Expected to Create 3,000 New Jobs

CHICAGO, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bally's Chicago yesterday marked a major construction milestone at its permanent casino site at 560 W. Grand Ave. with a topping-off ceremony celebrating the placement of the final structural beam. Once complete, the $1.7 billion development is expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs for the local community and is slated to open in spring 2027.

The event brought together Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Bally's Executive Chairman Soo Kim, union leaders, and members of the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), alongside trades workers building the project. To date, more than 1,000 tradespeople have worked on the project, reflecting Bally's investment in Chicago labor and the workforce behind one of the city's largest active developments.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional signing, lifting, and placement of the final beam, marking a key structural milestone and drawing project partners together on site overlooking the Chicago River and skyline. The moment offered one of the clearest visuals yet of Bally's future presence along Chicago's riverfront.

"This is a significant milestone for Bally's Chicago and reflects the incredible effort of the union trades and partners who have made this moment possible," said Soo Kim. "We're proud of the progress to date and excited to move into the next phase as we deliver a one-of-a-kind destination for the people of Chicago."

The $1.7 billion development is part of a 30-acre redevelopment of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, which will be transformed into a riverfront destination reconnecting River West and the Near West Side to the Chicago River, improving public access, and activating the river's edge.

Bally's is also releasing new renderings showcasing key elements of the project's interior design and guest experience. Bally's Chicago has engaged WATG to lead the design of the casino interiors, shaping gaming, entertainment, and social spaces within the larger destination.

Once complete, Bally's Chicago will feature:

• 3,400 slot machines
• 173 table games
• 10 food and beverage venues in partnership with Levy Hospitality
• 500-room hotel tower with rooftop bar
• 3,000-seat entertainment theater and event center
• 3,300 parking spaces
• Public outdoor spaces and riverfront activation

New select renderings can be found here. Those interested in learning more are invited to visit www.Ballyschicago.com or opt in for the latest information on job opportunities by visiting here. Follow Bally's Chicago on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn at @ballyschicago. 

About Bally's Corporation:

Bally's (NYSE: BALY) is a fast-growing global entertainment brand with 19 casinos across 11 US states and one casino in Newcastle, UK, along with a golf course in New York and horse racetracks in Colorado and forthcoming in Wyoming. Bally's also owns Bally Bet, a first-in-class sports betting and igaming platform licensed in 14 jurisdictions in North America. Bally's holds a majority interest in Bally's Intralot S.A. (ATSE: BYLOT), a leading lottery solutions supplier and gaming operator active in 39 jurisdictions worldwide. Bally's casino operations include approximately 17,700 slot machines, 630 table games, and 3,950 hotel rooms. Bally's also has rights to developable land in Las Vegas at the site of the former Tropicana Las Vegas, has been awarded a license to build a full-scale casino and resort in The Bronx, New York, and an integrated destination resort in Chicago, Illinois. Bally's has over 12,000 employees across the world, recognized for their innovation, energy, and dedication to creating thrilling gaming experiences.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ballys-chicago-tops-off-permanent-casino-marking-major-construction-milestone-on-path-to-spring-2027-opening-302760211.html

SOURCE Bally's Chicago

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Bally's (BALY) announce about the Chicago topping-off on May 1, 2026?

Bally's announced a topping-off ceremony marking placement of the final structural beam. According to Bally's, the milestone advances the $1.7 billion riverfront project toward a spring 2027 opening and public riverfront activation.

When is Bally's Chicago (BALY) expected to open and what is the timeline?

Bally's Chicago is slated to open in spring 2027. According to Bally's, construction reached a topping-off on May 1, 2026, and remaining work will complete interior, amenities, and public-space activation ahead of the planned opening.

How many jobs will the Bally's Chicago (BALY) development create for the local community?

The development is expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs. According to Bally's, more than 1,000 tradespeople have worked on the site to date during construction.

What key amenities will Bally's Chicago (BALY) include when completed?

Bally's Chicago will feature a 500-room hotel, 3,400 slot machines, 173 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, and 10 F&B venues. According to Bally's, public outdoor spaces and 3,300 parking spaces are also planned.

Who is designing the Bally's Chicago (BALY) casino interiors and guest experience?

WATG is the lead designer for the casino interiors and guest experience. According to Bally's, WATG will shape gaming, entertainment, and social spaces within the larger riverfront destination.