A new casino slated to open in the heart of downtown Chicago is being accused of violating U.S. civil rights laws by allegedly preventing White men from investing in the project — a move that has prompted a lawsuit.
Bally’s Chicago is a $1.7-billion dollar casino and resort slated to open in the Windy City's River West neighborhood in 2026. The expansive complex is projected to be Illinois’ biggest casino, boasting a 500-room hotel tower with a rooftop bar, a riverwalk, thousands of slot machines and a 3,000-seat theater. Bally’s will be the city’s first casino; its bid was selected by then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2022.
As part of the Host Community Agreement (HCA) Bally’s signed with the city of Chicago, the casino committed to 25% minority ownership. The HCA was drafted in accordance with a 2019 state law expanding gambling in Illinois. Currently, in order to take part in the casino’s $250 million initial public offering, one must meet its "Class A Qualification Criteria," part of which states that an investor must be a "minority or woman."