Chicago Casino Construction Hits a Snag

The Chicago casino project, led by Bally's, has run into trouble. The Illinois Gaming Board has halted work at the site in River West. Why? They found out that an unauthorized waste hauler, with past ties to organized crime, was being used. This company, D&P Construction, was hired by the Chicago Community Builders Collective, the main contractors for the $1. 7 billion casino complex. The Gaming Board confirmed the stop work order but didn't name the specific vendor. They are investigating the use of unapproved vendors at the construction site. This isn't the first time D&P has been in hot water. Back in 2005, their ties to organized crime led to the revocation of a casino license for a different project. That license eventually went to Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which became the state's top-grossing casino. Bally's was chosen in May 2022 to build the Chicago casino. Their plan includes an exhibition hall, a 500-room hotel, a 3, 000-seat theater, 10 restaurants, and 4, 000 gaming positions. The site is the former home of the Chicago Tribune printing plant. Demolition work has been underway, but not without issues. In December, construction debris spilled into the Chicago River, causing a one-month stoppage. Bally's has been operating a temporary casino at Medinah Temple since September 2023. They had planned to open the permanent casino in September 2026. However, this latest setback could affect that timeline. The Gaming Board is still determining the extent of the problem and potential consequences for Bally's. They could face fines or other actions if found in violation of their rules. The Gaming Board's actions show their commitment to maintaining integrity and safety in the construction process. They are taking this matter seriously and will take appropriate action once their investigation is complete. It remains to be seen how this will impact the future of the Bally's Chicago casino project.