Chicago Council legalizes video gambling terminals

Chicago's City Council voted to legalize video gambling terminals in bars and restaurants in the 2026 budget.

Bally's contract violation

Bally's moved to reset construction on the River West casino site, citing the legalization of video gambling terminals as a breach of the 2022 contract.

Bally's promised union jobs

Bally's committed to thousands of good, permanent union jobs and funding police and fire pension liability through casino revenue.

Video gambling cuts revenue

Illinois casinos saw a nearly 40% reduction in gaming revenue directly attributed to video gambling terminals.

Lost $100 million in revenue

This means losing nearly $100 million in tax revenue for police and firefighters' pension funds.

No public safety plan

The City Council did not make a public safety plan to handle crime spikes from video gambling terminals.

Oak Lawn burglaries

Oak Lawn experienced a rash of video gambling terminal-related burglaries with insufficient police resources.

Village manager warning

Oak Lawn Village Manager Tom Phelan warned, 'Someone’s going to get killed. Whether it be police, whether it be, God help us if it’s just innocent victims.'

“Someone’s going to get killed. Whether it be police, whether it be, God help us if it’s just innocent victims.”

Community opposition

Chicago community leaders and residents, including white, Black and Latino citizens, oppose video gambling terminals due to financial and public health concerns.

Call to reverse legalization

Alderpersons should reverse the ill-advised legalization before video gambling terminals become widespread.

Bally's security concerns

Video gambling terminals lack the strong security measures that traditional casinos have, increasing crime risks.

Chicago's reputation at risk

The City Council's action harms Chicago's reputation and local casino revenue, creating uncertainty for investors and developers.