Organized labor will play a crucial role in the construction of the largest casino in Illinois.
Today, it was announced by Bally’s that they will be building a $1.7 billion destination casino in Chicago.
The casino company announced in a press release that it has signed a Multi-Project Labor Agreement with the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department.
Soo Kim, the chairman of Bally’s, has emphasized the company’s commitment to reflecting the community it serves. He highlighted the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) as evidence of their dedication to acknowledging the significant impact organized labor has had on shaping the city of Chicago. Kim also mentioned that this is just the beginning of a project designed by and for Chicago, which will help the city meet its responsibilities towards police and fire pensions.
Our commitment to diversity is unwavering, and by collaborating with CCBT, Chicago Federation of Labor, and Hire360, we will guarantee that our team reflects the vibrant diversity of our city.
Labor groups applaud the move
Michael Macellaio, President of the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council, spoke proudly about his group’s support for Bally’s Chicago during the construction of the city’s inaugural casino. He stressed the importance of Bally’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs in Chicago and treating its residents with the respect they deserve.
Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, praised Bally for upholding high employment standards and their dedication to promoting diversity and encouraging young people to consider trades as a fulfilling career path. He commended Bally for their strong commitment to this important mission.
Deal to buy the land expected any day now
Last week, it was announced that Bally’s is on track to complete the purchase of the Freedom Center printing plant in River West. The upcoming casino will be situated on the 30-acre property and the agreement must be finalized by October 25th.
Located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, the printing plant is conveniently situated within walking distance to the popular sites on Michigan Avenue, making it easily accessible to visitors.
Furthermore, the casino will showcase the best of Chicago, including arts, culture, food, and sports. In addition, guests can enjoy carefully curated dining and entertainment options.
- 3,400 slots
- 173 table games
- 10 places to eat and drink
- A towering hotel with the capacity for 500 rooms, complete with a rooftop bar.
- A concert venue with an outdoor setting that can accommodate up to 1,000 attendees.
- There is also a 3,000-seat indoor entertainment center that covers 70,000 square feet.
- and an outdoor green area.
Temporary casino expected in June of 2025
Bally’s Chicago is set to open no earlier than 2026. In the meantime, a temporary casino will be established in the historic Medinah Temple, with plans for it to be operational by June 2025 until the main casino is completed.
