Bally’s hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony at Medinah Temple property

Mayor Brandon Johnson
Image: Shutterstock

Bally’s new temporary casino at Medinah Temple may have been open for around three weeks, but the corporation has belatedly celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting event featuring the Mayor of Chicago.

Mayor Brandon Johnson was the star guest for the ceremony, joining Chairman of Bally’s Soo Kim at the historic building that will host wagering until the permanent facility is constructed.

Per Chicago Suntimes, Johnson told attendees of the ceremony: “To all of our residents and Illinoisans and everyone else: please come and — responsibly — spend your money at this casino.

“I talk about how Chicago is the greatest freakin’ city in the world, and for those who did not know, now they know,” Johnson said outside the temporary casino. “And attractions like Bally’s continue to show why we are beloved and why we’re a destination for visitors from all over the globe.

“This is more than just an entertainment venue. This project is going to secure Chicago’s fiscally strong and vibrant future.” 

The temporary venue boasts around 800 slot machines and around 50 table games as well as a bar and cafe within the building, which has kept its original structure and architecture. 

Moreover, the location has a VIP and high roller section on the third floor alongside two separate restaurants for players to enjoy. 

The temporary venue will be the home of Bally’s casino gambling for the next three years whilst the $1.7bn permanent development is under construction.