Bally’s Casino secures site plan approval from DPD

The Chicago Department of Planning and Development has given formal site plan approval for Bally’s Chicago casino at 777 W. Chicago Ave. Planned by Bally’s Corporation, the demolition of the former Chicago Tribune printing plant is nearing completion in preparation for the new construction.

With HKS Architects on board for the redesign, the future Bally’s Chicago Casino will feature a 500-room, 34-story hotel tower on the southern end of the casino development near Ohio Street along the Chicago River. 

The hotel tower will include a large pool spa, fitness center and sun deck, as well as a rooftop restaurant bar to enjoy the Chicago skyline. Earlier this year, the hotel tower was moved due to unforeseen underground infrastructure.

Bally’s Chicago Casino will capitalize on the urban Chicago riverfront site to create inclusive, dynamic spaces, including plans for the 500-room hotel tower, 3,000-seat theater, six restaurants, cafes and a food hall, and a 2-acre public park. 

The casino will offer space for approximately 3,300 slots, 173 table games and VIP gaming areas. The lower riverbank will be connected to the property with an approximately 2,000-foot-long extension of the riverwalk extending south from W. Chicago Avenue. 

With new construction permits filed, the project is moving closer to becoming reality. Chicago Community Builders Collective (“CCBC”), a minority-led construction partnership, will lead the new construction. The casino is set to open in late 2026.