However, it is worth noting that Hopkins is often listed as a potential mayoral candidate, so it makes sense why he might want to distance himself from Lightfoot’s past decisions. Hopkins believes agreeing to this deal is one of the worst actions of Lightfoot’s entire 4-year stint as Chicago mayor.

The corporation also promised to pay $4 million per year to the city on top of what it already has to pay in taxes. Bally’s paid Chicago $40 million upfront after its bid was accepted.

Lightfoot told the press that Bally’s bid was the best offer out of the three total bids made. The very-memeable mayor chose Bally’s over Hard Rock International and Rush Street Gaming, who were both hoping to open their own casinos in Chicago. Former administration causing problems for Chicagoīally’s new Chicago casino and resort was approved by former mayor Lori Lightfoot in May 2022. He was just one of two Chicago aldermen who opposed the new Bally’s casino in Chicago. These types of comments are nothing new for Hopkins. They’re years away from it,” said Hopkins. “Bally’s has already indicated that they’re not in a hurry to start construction. Overall, his comments can be best described as pessimistic. City Alderman takes aim at Bally’sĬhicago City Alderman Brian Hopkins spoke at length about the Bally’s Corporation and their casinos in Chicago. Hopkins believes Bally’s will never outgrow its Medinah Temple location and will end up abandoning its Freedom Center proposal. Bally’s is currently operating a smaller casino in Chicago’s Medinah Temple to fund their Freedom Center location. The Bally’s Corporation received permission to build a massive, $1.7 billion mega-casino at Chicago’s Freedom Center. Chicago City Alderman Brian Hopkins has revealed that he does not believe Bally’s new Chicago casino will be built. There is big news coming out of Chicago this week about one of the biggest casino brands in the US and one of the most expensive current casino projects.

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