Bally's Corporation has made a $4 million payment to the city of Chicago in compliance with its Host Community Agreement, despite ongoing opposition to the city's plans for video gaming terminals (VGTs) outside its $1.7 billion casino in River West. The casino operator issued two payments of $2 million each on September 9 as part of its annual community impact payment required by the agreement established in 2022.
Previously, Bally's signaled its intention to withhold payments in light of a dispute with city authorities. The disagreement centers around the city's permitting of VGTs in various establishments such as bars, restaurants, and convenience stores. According to the city’s fiscal projections for 2026, the budget anticipates $6.8 million in revenue from these gaming machines.
Additionally, reports indicate that Bally's has been negotiating with Rick Heidner from Gold Rush Gaming regarding a potential acquisition or partnership related to VGTs, although no agreements have been finalized yet.
