Bally's Advances $1.8B Chicago Casino Project Amid Setbacks
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 days ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Project Milestone Achieved: Bally's has completed the main structural frame of its $1.8 billion flagship casino resort at the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, marking a significant advancement despite challenges like underground infrastructure conflicts, as construction now shifts to superstructure and interior build-out.
- Comprehensive Entertainment Plans: The resort is designed to feature a 500-room hotel, a massive casino with over 3,000 slot machines and 170 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, multiple restaurants, and a two-acre public park, aiming to establish itself as an urban riverfront entertainment destination.
- Funding Support Secured: Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) has agreed to provide approximately $940 million in dedicated construction funding as part of a broader $2.1 billion financing commitment, ensuring the project progresses smoothly in an integrated phase.
- Opening Delayed: Initially targeting a late 2026 opening, recent reports indicate that Bally's has pushed the timeline to 2027, prompting the company to seek an extension of its temporary Medinah Temple casino license to continue operations until the permanent resort is completed.
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Analyst Views on BALY
Wall Street analysts forecast BALY stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Sell
Current: 12.150
Low
11.00
Averages
16.33
High
20.00
Current: 12.150
Low
11.00
Averages
16.33
High
20.00
About BALY
Bally's Corporation is a global casino-entertainment company with an omnichannel presence. The Company’s segment includes Casinos & Resorts and North America Interactive. It owns and operates approximately 19 casinos across 11 US states and one casino in Newcastle, UK, along with a golf course in New York and a horse racetrack in Colorado. It also owns Bally Bet, a sports betting and iGaming platform, licensed in 13 jurisdictions in North America. Its casino operations include approximately 17,700 slot machines, 630 table games, and 3,950 hotel rooms. Its Casinos & Resorts include Bally's Atlantic City, Bally’s Dover, Bally’s Tiverton and others. The North America Interactive segment includes a portfolio of sports betting, iGaming, and free-to-play gaming brands. The International Interactive segment includes the Company’s interactive European gaming operations, the Company’s global licensing operations, as well as one casino property, Bally’s Newcastle, in the United Kingdom.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Bally's Advances $1.8B Chicago Casino Project Amid Setbacks
- Project Milestone Achieved: Bally's has completed the main structural frame of its $1.8 billion flagship casino resort at the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, marking a significant advancement despite challenges like underground infrastructure conflicts, as construction now shifts to superstructure and interior build-out.
- Comprehensive Entertainment Plans: The resort is designed to feature a 500-room hotel, a massive casino with over 3,000 slot machines and 170 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, multiple restaurants, and a two-acre public park, aiming to establish itself as an urban riverfront entertainment destination.
- Funding Support Secured: Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) has agreed to provide approximately $940 million in dedicated construction funding as part of a broader $2.1 billion financing commitment, ensuring the project progresses smoothly in an integrated phase.
- Opening Delayed: Initially targeting a late 2026 opening, recent reports indicate that Bally's has pushed the timeline to 2027, prompting the company to seek an extension of its temporary Medinah Temple casino license to continue operations until the permanent resort is completed.
See More
Bally's Corporation Q1 Revenue Grows 105% Year-Over-Year
- Revenue Performance: Bally's Corporation reported Q1 revenue of $755.7 million, reflecting a 105% year-over-year increase, yet it fell short of market expectations by $13.77 million, indicating significant growth but also market challenges.
- Casinos & Resorts Revenue: The Casinos & Resorts segment generated $379.7 million in revenue, up 8.1% year-over-year, benefiting from the Queen Casino & Entertainment transaction completed in February 2025 and organic growth, demonstrating stability in the core business.
- B2C Revenue Growth: Bally's Intralot B2C revenue reached $239.9 million, a 31.0% increase year-over-year, driven by strong performance in the UK and the addition of Intralot's B2C business, showcasing the company's potential for international market expansion.
- Interactive Revenue Increase: North America Interactive revenue amounted to $60.5 million, up 35.9% year-over-year, reflecting wagering revenue growth across all verticals, indicating positive progress in the company's digital transformation efforts.
See More
Bally's Corporation Reports Strong Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Significant Revenue Growth: In Q1 2026, Bally's Corporation reported consolidated revenue of $755.7 million, reflecting a robust year-over-year increase of 28.3%, indicating strong market performance and growth potential.
- Casinos & Resorts Performance: Revenue from Casinos & Resorts reached $379.7 million, up 8.1% year-over-year, benefiting from the Queen Casino transaction completed in February 2025 and organic growth, further solidifying the company's position in the industry.
- Strong Interactive Business: North America Interactive revenue hit $60.5 million, a 35.9% year-over-year increase, reflecting growth in wagering revenue across all verticals, showcasing the company's success in digital transformation.
- Strategic Investments and Expansion: Bally's secured a Gaming Facility License for its $4 billion integrated resort project in the Bronx, expected to open by 2030, which will create thousands of local jobs and deliver $765 million in community benefits.
See More
Bally's Chicago Riverfront Project Topping-Off Ceremony
- Project Investment Scale: Bally's Chicago's permanent casino project at 560 W. Grand Ave. involves a $1.7 billion investment, expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs, significantly boosting Chicago's economic recovery.
- Construction Milestone: The topping-off ceremony marked the installation of the final structural beam, representing a key milestone in the project's construction and showcasing the collaboration with local unions and community partners.
- Community Engagement and Workforce Investment: Over 1,000 tradespeople have worked on the project to date, reflecting Bally's commitment to investing in Chicago's labor force, enhancing local economic vitality and job opportunities.
- Future Development Vision: This project is part of a 30-acre redevelopment of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, aimed at improving public access and activating the riverfront area, thereby enhancing Chicago's urban landscape and quality of life for residents.
See More
Bally's Chicago Riverfront Project Topping-Off Ceremony
- Investment Scale: Bally's Chicago's riverfront destination project has a total investment of $1.7 billion and is expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs, significantly boosting Chicago's economic recovery and enhancing the local job market.
- Construction Milestone: The topping-off ceremony at 560 W. Grand Ave. marks a key structural milestone, with over 1,000 workers involved in the project to date, reflecting Bally's investment in Chicago's labor force and commitment to the local community.
- Project Features Showcase: Newly released renderings highlight key elements of the casino's interior design and guest experience, including 3,400 slot machines, 173 table games, and a 500-room hotel, aimed at attracting more visitors and enhancing regional appeal.
- Future Development Vision: The project will reconnect River West and Near West Side to the Chicago River, improving public access and activating riverfront spaces, showcasing Bally's strategic commitment to creating a unique destination.
See More
New York City Opens Its First Full-Scale Casino
- Casino Opening: Resorts World, New York City's first full-scale casino, officially opened on April 28, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state's gambling expansion over the past decade, expected to attract numerous visitors and boost the local economy.
- Job Creation: The project has already created over 1,200 new jobs, with an additional 500 anticipated by summer, demonstrating the casino's positive impact on the local job market while also providing training opportunities for residents.
- Tax Contributions: Resorts World commits to paying 63% on slot revenue and 30% on table game revenue as state taxes, with projections indicating it could generate $7 billion in gaming tax revenue for New York over the next decade, enhancing state fiscal resources.
- Market Competitive Advantage: As the only casino in New York City, Resorts World has gained a competitive edge, expected to lead the future development of the entertainment and gaming market, while also facing community concerns regarding potential increases in crime and traffic.
See More
Bally's Advances $1.8B Chicago Casino Project Amid Setbacks
- Project Milestone Achieved: Bally's has completed the main structural frame of its $1.8 billion flagship casino resort at the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, marking a significant advancement despite challenges like underground infrastructure conflicts, as construction now shifts to superstructure and interior build-out.
- Comprehensive Entertainment Plans: The resort is designed to feature a 500-room hotel, a massive casino with over 3,000 slot machines and 170 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, multiple restaurants, and a two-acre public park, aiming to establish itself as an urban riverfront entertainment destination.
- Funding Support Secured: Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) has agreed to provide approximately $940 million in dedicated construction funding as part of a broader $2.1 billion financing commitment, ensuring the project progresses smoothly in an integrated phase.
- Opening Delayed: Initially targeting a late 2026 opening, recent reports indicate that Bally's has pushed the timeline to 2027, prompting the company to seek an extension of its temporary Medinah Temple casino license to continue operations until the permanent resort is completed.
See More
Bally's Corporation Q1 Revenue Grows 105% Year-Over-Year
- Revenue Performance: Bally's Corporation reported Q1 revenue of $755.7 million, reflecting a 105% year-over-year increase, yet it fell short of market expectations by $13.77 million, indicating significant growth but also market challenges.
- Casinos & Resorts Revenue: The Casinos & Resorts segment generated $379.7 million in revenue, up 8.1% year-over-year, benefiting from the Queen Casino & Entertainment transaction completed in February 2025 and organic growth, demonstrating stability in the core business.
- B2C Revenue Growth: Bally's Intralot B2C revenue reached $239.9 million, a 31.0% increase year-over-year, driven by strong performance in the UK and the addition of Intralot's B2C business, showcasing the company's potential for international market expansion.
- Interactive Revenue Increase: North America Interactive revenue amounted to $60.5 million, up 35.9% year-over-year, reflecting wagering revenue growth across all verticals, indicating positive progress in the company's digital transformation efforts.
See More
Bally's Corporation Reports Strong Q1 2026 Financial Results
- Significant Revenue Growth: In Q1 2026, Bally's Corporation reported consolidated revenue of $755.7 million, reflecting a robust year-over-year increase of 28.3%, indicating strong market performance and growth potential.
- Casinos & Resorts Performance: Revenue from Casinos & Resorts reached $379.7 million, up 8.1% year-over-year, benefiting from the Queen Casino transaction completed in February 2025 and organic growth, further solidifying the company's position in the industry.
- Strong Interactive Business: North America Interactive revenue hit $60.5 million, a 35.9% year-over-year increase, reflecting growth in wagering revenue across all verticals, showcasing the company's success in digital transformation.
- Strategic Investments and Expansion: Bally's secured a Gaming Facility License for its $4 billion integrated resort project in the Bronx, expected to open by 2030, which will create thousands of local jobs and deliver $765 million in community benefits.
See More
Bally's Chicago Riverfront Project Topping-Off Ceremony
- Project Investment Scale: Bally's Chicago's permanent casino project at 560 W. Grand Ave. involves a $1.7 billion investment, expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs, significantly boosting Chicago's economic recovery.
- Construction Milestone: The topping-off ceremony marked the installation of the final structural beam, representing a key milestone in the project's construction and showcasing the collaboration with local unions and community partners.
- Community Engagement and Workforce Investment: Over 1,000 tradespeople have worked on the project to date, reflecting Bally's commitment to investing in Chicago's labor force, enhancing local economic vitality and job opportunities.
- Future Development Vision: This project is part of a 30-acre redevelopment of the former Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site, aimed at improving public access and activating the riverfront area, thereby enhancing Chicago's urban landscape and quality of life for residents.
See More
Bally's Chicago Riverfront Project Topping-Off Ceremony
- Investment Scale: Bally's Chicago's riverfront destination project has a total investment of $1.7 billion and is expected to create approximately 3,000 permanent jobs, significantly boosting Chicago's economic recovery and enhancing the local job market.
- Construction Milestone: The topping-off ceremony at 560 W. Grand Ave. marks a key structural milestone, with over 1,000 workers involved in the project to date, reflecting Bally's investment in Chicago's labor force and commitment to the local community.
- Project Features Showcase: Newly released renderings highlight key elements of the casino's interior design and guest experience, including 3,400 slot machines, 173 table games, and a 500-room hotel, aimed at attracting more visitors and enhancing regional appeal.
- Future Development Vision: The project will reconnect River West and Near West Side to the Chicago River, improving public access and activating riverfront spaces, showcasing Bally's strategic commitment to creating a unique destination.
See More
New York City Opens Its First Full-Scale Casino
- Casino Opening: Resorts World, New York City's first full-scale casino, officially opened on April 28, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state's gambling expansion over the past decade, expected to attract numerous visitors and boost the local economy.
- Job Creation: The project has already created over 1,200 new jobs, with an additional 500 anticipated by summer, demonstrating the casino's positive impact on the local job market while also providing training opportunities for residents.
- Tax Contributions: Resorts World commits to paying 63% on slot revenue and 30% on table game revenue as state taxes, with projections indicating it could generate $7 billion in gaming tax revenue for New York over the next decade, enhancing state fiscal resources.
- Market Competitive Advantage: As the only casino in New York City, Resorts World has gained a competitive edge, expected to lead the future development of the entertainment and gaming market, while also facing community concerns regarding potential increases in crime and traffic.
See More
