Bally’s Chicago opened on Sept. 9. In the temporary property’s first few weeks of operations, it brought in $6.7 million in adjusted gross revenue and welcomed 80,000-plus guests.
These numbers put Bally’s firmly in the middle of the pack of Illinois casinos.
What that means going forward remains to be seen. Several factors are at play. Once revenue is in over several months, a more complete picture will emerge as to the success of Chicago’s first casino.
Several factors will play a part in casino’s success
Bally’s Chicago is the 15th Illinois casino currently in operation. The temporary casino is set to stay open the next three years while construction on the permanent casino takes place in River West.
Keep in mind, Bally’s has only been open for a month. The revenue figures released by the Illinois Gaming Board include revenue only from September.
Rivers Casino in Des Plaines was by far the top earner in September, collecting more than $41 million in adjusted gross revenue (AGR). Other Illinois properties that collected more AGR than Bally’s include:
- Grand Victoria Casino: $12.4 million
- Harrah’s Joliet: $10.9 million
- Hollywood Casino Aurora: $8.3 million
- The Temporary by American Place: $7.8 million
- Hollywood Casino Joliet: $7.6 million
Bally’s location is a reason to be hopeful for an increase in monthly revenue. Nestled in the near-downtown River North neighborhood, it’s an ideal locale for tourists and Chicago residents. It’s also in a high-traffic area, likely to attract walk-ins.
On the other hand, there are a few reasons to temper optimism. It’s the very first casino to open in The Windy City. That’s obviously a great point for publicity, but it means Bally’s is on unproven ground. The casino doesn’t yet know how demand will fluctuate in the crowded downtown area.
Less impactful but still worth noting is the drop in temperatures. Chicago isn’t exactly known for its friendly winters. Locals aren’t rushing to get outside in the bitter winter, even if it means a trip to the closest casino.
In short, there are plenty of factors that could impact the performance of Bally’s Chicago. Only time will tell whether the casino meets expectations.
Your quick guide to Bally’s Chicago
Looking for the latest information on Bally’s Chicago? PlayIllinois has you covered.
For a hands-on review of the new casino, check out my review. Then, read up on recent updates, including unfounded accusations of the casino being built in a mosque and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s bullish outlook for the property.
Looking forward to the permanent Bally’s Casino in River West? Here’s the latest news on groundbreaking, plus updated renderings of the planned property.
