Close Menu
  • Keno Strategy
  • Keno Variations
  • Keno Odds
  • News
  • Casinos
  • Games
  • Handpays
What's Hot

Live! Casino Philadelphia Fined $100,000 by PGCB for Proxy Betting Violations

June 30, 2024

Blackjack Win Leads to Unexpected Jackpot Denial at MGM Grand Detroit

June 30, 2024

Michigan Increases MGCB Budget for Enhanced Regulation and Responsible Gaming

June 28, 2024
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest VKontakte
Keno WizardKeno Wizard
  • Keno Strategy
  • Keno Variations
  • Keno Odds
  • News
  • Casinos
  • Games
  • Handpays
Keno WizardKeno Wizard
Home » Bally’s Faces Dual Investigations Over Chicago Casino License Acquisition
Casinos

Bally’s Faces Dual Investigations Over Chicago Casino License Acquisition

December 4, 2023No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Bally’s, the Rhode Island-based gambling company, finds itself in the crosshairs of federal and local authorities over the acquisition of the highly sought-after Chicago casino license. The processes leading to Bally’s securing the license have triggered simultaneous investigations by both the US attorney’s office and Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg.

Unsuccessful Bidders Trigger Federal Inquiry into Chicago Casino License

The federal inquiry, reportedly prompted by complaints from unsuccessful bidders in the casino licensing process, has thrust the matter into the spotlight, reported real estate news outlet The Real Deal. 

Alderman Brian Hopkins, known for his consistent criticism of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot‘s management of the casino proceedings, confirmed the existence of the federal investigation. The US attorney’s office, however, has remained tight-lipped on the matter.

Concurrently, Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg is conducting a parallel investigation, adhering to her office’s policy of not commenting on ongoing inquiries. 

Bally’s maintains that it is unaware of any investigation, and the city’s Law Department has clarified that neither they nor the mayor’s office have been subpoenaed or requested to provide information.

The investigations, according to sources, were initiated months ago, suggesting a prolonged and comprehensive examination of the casino licensing process. 

This development follows earlier controversies surrounding Bally’s, including alterations to financial deals with minority investors and discrepancies in fees charged to different bidders. Reports also highlighted potential conflicts of interest with city consultants evaluating financial prospects.

City Council Greenlighted Bally’s Casino Amidst Controversies and High Hopes

Despite these controversies, Bally’s secured City Council approval with a decisive 39-5 vote. The $1.7 billion project is anticipated to alleviate the city’s unfunded public employee pension liabilities. Bally’s opened a temporary casino in September at the former Medinah Temple, with construction on the permanent site expected to commence soon, aiming for an opening in late 2026.

See also  Dreamscape Unveils Plans for Rio Hotel & Casino Revamp

The casino project, viewed by some city leaders as a potential financial savior, has been on Chicago’s agenda for decades, gaining serious traction only in 2020. 

Representing the area designated for the casino, 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett praised the accomplishment, expressing that it was significant. He remarked that it had been a pursuit spanning three administrations and emphasized that the current mayor had successfully achieved it.

At the same time, the opening of Bally’s casino in Chicago stirred concerns among addiction treatment experts who anticipate a rise in individuals seeking help for gambling disorders. Although there hasn’t been an immediate surge in cases, experts warn that the expansion of gaming facilities historically correlates with an increase in people seeking treatment for gambling problems. 

Acquisition Ballys Casino Chicago Dual Faces Investigations license
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Related Posts

Live! Casino Philadelphia Fined $100,000 by PGCB for Proxy Betting Violations

June 30, 2024

Blackjack Win Leads to Unexpected Jackpot Denial at MGM Grand Detroit

June 30, 2024

Iowa: Linn County Casino Developers Consider Reapplying for License

June 28, 2024

Gambling Inspector in Maine Claims Retaliation by Boss over Concerns

June 28, 2024
Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Editors Picks

Live! Casino Philadelphia Fined $100,000 by PGCB for Proxy Betting Violations

June 30, 2024

Blackjack Win Leads to Unexpected Jackpot Denial at MGM Grand Detroit

June 30, 2024

Michigan Increases MGCB Budget for Enhanced Regulation and Responsible Gaming

June 28, 2024

$63B in Bets in Second Year

June 28, 2024
Top Reviews

How Gambling Act Review White Paper Changed the Industry

Alabama Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Illegal Gambling

27th Classic Lotto Jackpot of $1.4M in Ohio Yet to Be Claimed

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news and blogs update directly in your Inbox!

Keno Wizard
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo YouTube
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
© 2024 Kenowizard.com - All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.