Illinois Grants Extensions to Two Major Casino Projects 

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Illinois extends temporary operating hours for Bally’s Chicago and American Place

Illinois expanding two casino license

Key Takeaways:

  • Illinois extends temporary operating hours for Bally’s Chicago and American Place
  • Construction progresses on Chicago’s first permanent casino and Waukegan project
  • Focus on responsible gambling safeguards and licensing updates across the state

Illinois regulators have given temporary breathing room to two of the state’s highest-profile casino projects, approving longer operating windows for Bally’s Chicago and American Place in Waukegan while their permanent resorts are still under construction. 

The Illinois Gaming Board’s June 12 decision also came as a tribal-backed legal challenge tied to the Waukegan license remains unresolved.

Temporary Sites Get More Time

According to the board, Bally’s Chicago can keep its temporary casino open for an additional 12 months, with the extension running from September 6, 2026, through September 9, 2027. 

Bally’s is continuing work on its $1.7 billion riverfront resort in Chicago.

American Place in Waukegan received an 18-month extension, allowing operations from August 18, 2027, through February 17, 2029. The move is linked to provisions in the state’s Revenue Omnibus Bill, which still awaits the governor’s signature.

In Waukegan, the long-running licensing fight has kept attention on American Place even as construction plans advance.

Compliance and Policy Stay in Focus

The board also used the meeting to discuss responsible gambling safeguards. Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter said the agency is looking at expanding the state’s Self-Exclusion Program. 

“The IGB’s goal is to expand coverage to the Self-Exclusion Program to address existing gaps through research-driven and data-informed changes and enhancements to help ensure the program continues to evolve, serve the needs of participants, and best support individuals in their treatment and recovery from problem gambling without undue barriers ” he said.

The meeting also produced routine licensing decisions across casino gaming, video gaming and sports wagering. Illinois now has 17 casinos, 13 active and approved sportsbooks, and nearly 9,000 licensed video gaming establishments.

Light and Wonder also announced a 10-year contract awarded by the IGB to supply its Connexus Central Communications System for the state’s video gaming market.