Bally’s Corporation gained accreditation this week from the Responsible Gaming Council for its efforts to promote a safe gaming environment for its customers.
On the heels of the recognition, Bally’s Chicago launched initiatives to combat problem gambling and promote diversity at the temporary casino in the city’s downtown, said Mark Wong, vice president and GM of Bally’s Chicago.
“As pioneers in Chicago’s gaming landscape, we understand the significance of our role in setting the standard for promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting our diverse community in ways that resonate with many groups, especially those who are typically overlooked by these types of initiatives.”
Bally’s Corporation Recognized for High Responsible Gaming Standards
Bally’s Chicago Casino opened last September in the former Medinah Temple in the River North neighborhood. The company is working to open a permanent casino in 2026 on land that previously housed the Chicago Tribune.
The Responsible Gaming Council (RGC) is a Toronto-based nonprofit organization with the mission to “unite people and organizations to minimize gambling’s human impact, driving knowledge, dialogue, and action forward to prevent gambling harm and offer support.”
The CEO of RGC, Shelley White, said Bally’s received the organization’s highest recognition.
“An RG Check accreditation means Bally’s Corporation has achieved the highest standards for their commitment to Responsible Gambling practices.”
Bally’s Chicago experienced its first month-over-month revenue decline in April. It did, however, maintain its position as the fourth-busiest casino in the state.
Initiatives Include Outreach Efforts to Minority Communities
According to a release, Bally’s Chicago has begun initiatives “aimed at fostering a safe and responsible gaming environment for its players.” It has partnered with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) and the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA).
Bally’s Chicago will work with the ICPG on the “2024 Diversity in Problem Gambling series, which aimed to highlight diversity in problem gambling treatment and provide better access to resources by partnering with treatment and advocacy organizations focused on the African American, Asian, and Latinx communities.”
The release also made note of Bally’s donations to the ICPG.
It will work with the MAHA to provide translated versions of problem gambling awareness resources into simplified Chinese, then made available to casinos across the state and distributed by MAHA within Chicago’s Asian community.
According to MAHA Executive Director Hong Liu:
“This collaboration aims to increase the awareness of responsible gaming and develop culturally tailored resources to help empower individuals to make informed choices and seek help when needed. MAHA and Bally’s Casino joint effort reflects a shared commitment to promote assistance resources for personal and mental health and responsible gambling assistance within Chicago’s diverse Asian communities.”
