Bally's has urged Chicago officials to consider airport-based slot machine lounges as an alternative to expanding video gambling terminals (VGTs) across the city.
Speaking before the City Council's Committee on Workforce Development, Bally's SVP for Corporate Development, Christopher Jewett, said the operator believes one slot machine lounge could be installed in each of O'Hare International Airport's four passenger terminals, as well as one at Midway Airport.
According to Jewett, each lounge could generate approximately $5m annually in gaming and admission taxes, providing enough revenue to offset the $6.8m the city's 2026 budget expects to raise through the introduction of VGTs in eligible bars, restaurants and other licensed venues.
The proposal comes amid an ongoing political debate over Chicago's decision to lift its long-standing ban on video gambling terminals. While the approved 2026 city budget assumes new VGT licensing revenue, Mayor Brandon Johnson has continued to oppose the measure, arguing it could conflict with the city's host agreement with Bally's.
The operator has repeatedly warned that widespread VGT expansion would reduce revenue at its Chicago casino operations, potentially affecting employment and requiring changes to its existing agreement with the city. Bally's has previously estimated that expanded VGTs could reduce its annual revenue contribution by $74m and put up to 1,050 jobs at risk.
The council hearing ended abruptly following disagreements between alderpersons over both the VGT proposal and the city's handling of unregulated sweepstakes machines, with debate continuing over which committee should oversee any attempt to repeal the ordinance.
The discussion highlights the continuing tension between generating additional municipal revenue and protecting the long-term viability of Chicago's casino development, as city officials consider the future direction of gambling policy.
The proposal comes as Bally's continues to expand its wider business. Earlier this month, Bally's Intralot agreed a recommended £243.1m ($322m) takeover of Evoke, while the company also reported a 28.3% year-on-year increase in Q1 2026 revenue.
Separately, Bally's recently secured approval to launch an online sportsbook in Rhode Island following the expiry of IGT's exclusivity agreement later this year.
Illinois lawmakers previously authorised Bally's to install slot machines at Chicago's airports, although the operator has yet to implement the initiative
