Plans are underway to launch the largest casino in Illinois but at the center of it all will be the concept of organized labor. This is the statement that the management released a few days ago following the announcement of Bally’s plans. According to the management of the brand, they have planned for the construction of a casino destination building in Chicago which is estimated to cost $1.7 billion.
The proposal that Bally’s had submitted for the approval of the Chicago City Council has a positive outcome of 41-7. When all the construction work has been completed, this will be the largest casino complex in Illinois comprising of 4,000 gaming variations, a music venue designed for the outdoors, a 3,000-capacity entertainment center and a 500-room ultra modern hotel tower.
The gambling company through a recent press release announced that they had signed an agreement that will ensure that organized labor plays a key role in the success of their business. The Multi-Project Labor Agreement is between the casino provider and the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council and the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department.
Commenting on the company’s latest business move, the chairman of Bally’s, Soo Kim, stated that the company was committed to reflecting the community in which they operate. The fact that there is now a PLA is a demonstration of the company’s resolve to embrace organized labor that has played such a key role in building the great city of Chicago. Kim has revealed that the agreement is the first step in a project which the people of Chicago will build up from the ground. The success of this project is of utmost importance because it will mean that the city is able to keep its promise to the fire and police pensions.
It is also important to mention that Bally’s is keen on enhancing inclusivity through partnering with organizations like CCBT, Hire360 and Chicago Federation of Labor will ensure our workforce will reflect the rich diversity of the city.
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Applause from labor groups
The president of the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council, Michael Macellaio, has already weighed in on the matter stating that they were proud as an organization to be associated with Bally’s Chicago. Being that this will be the first and only Illinois casino to construct operational premises in the city of Chicago, partners too will have their spot in history. Macellaio is confident of Bally’s understanding of the importance of good-paying jobs in the city and upholding the dignity of hard-working people.
The Chicago Federation of Labor, through its president, Bob Reiter, announced to the public that they appreciated the fact that Bally’s has over the years subscribed to a very high standard in matters of employment. Reiter reminded the market that the mission to strengthen the participation of underrepresented populations is now stronger than ever – there will be special attention on the youth so as to influence their mindset to engage the youth to reflect the trades as a worthwhile and inspiring career path. At least there is proof that Bally’s has taken this concept seriously and made it easier for other entities to join.
Purchase of land anticipated soon
About two weeks ago, it was announced that Bally’s will be closing a deal to buy land within a very short time. The area that the operator has earmarked for construction of the new casino is the land where Freedom Center printing plant in River West sits. The 30-acre site will be the grounds where the new casino will be built. The purchase deal must be completed by Oct. 25.
The location of the printing plant is at two venues; Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street. This is a convenient location for the casino which will now be a walking distance between popular stops along Michigan Avenue. Furthermore, the gambling establishment will display the “The Best of Chicago” arts and culture, food and sports, and curated dining and entertainment experiences. Guests should also expect to see the following featured at the casino;
- 3,400 slots
- 173 table games
- 10 food and beverage venues
- hotel tower with up to 500 rooms and a rooftop bar
- outdoor music space capable of hosting 1,000 guests
- 3,000-seat, 70,000-square-foot indoor entertainment center
- outdoor green space.
Temporary casino to be launched by June 2023
According to the construction plans for the Ball’s casino in Chicago city, the earliest that the premises will be able to start functioning is 2026. Instead of keeping players waiting for that long, the management of the casino has decided to open a temporary casino in the century-old Medinah Temple. Due to renovations and modifications to the building to make it user ready for gambling operations, the temporary facility will be opened by June 2023.
Bally’s Corporation is recognized in the gambling market as a global casino-entertainment company that boasts of a gradually progressing omni-channel presence of Online Sports Betting and iGaming offerings. Under its ownership and management is a chain of 15 casinos across 10 states, a horse racetrack in Colorado and has access to OSB licenses in 18 states. It is also owner of the Bally’s Interactive International, which the veteran gamers know as Gamesys Group, a leader in the global, online gaming operation. Bally Bet, a preeminent sports betting platform and Bally Casino, a growing iCasino platform are also assets within the stable.
Final Thoughts
With an employee population of more than 10,500 members of staff, Bally’s has lots of gaming stations that are fully and adequately manned. The casino brad has an estimated 15,000 slot machines, 500 table games and 5,300 hotel rooms. When the construction of the temporary gambling facility in Chicago is finally completed, the casino will have 17 casinos across 11 states. Its shares are traded on the NY stock exchange under the “BALY” ticker symbol.
