Posted on: June 30, 2026, 10:12h.
Last updated on: June 30, 2026, 10:12h.
- Bally’s Corporation has hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to challenge the city’s approval of slot-like video gaming terminals
- Bally’s argues the VGT expansion violates its Host Community Agreement, which promised casino exclusivity and influenced the company’s $1.7 billion investment
- The casino operator warns that allowing VGTs could reduce casino jobs, lower city tax revenue, and force a renegotiation of its host agreement
Bally’s Corporation has hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to help make its case that slot-like video gaming terminals (VGTs) operating within the city will cost thousands of jobs and many millions of local tax dollars.
Bally’s is on the defensive after the Chicago City Council voted last year to allow VGT machines within the Windy City.
Bally’s, which is building a $1.7 billion casino resort in the River West neighborhood, claims the VGT authorization violates its Host Community Agreement that says no “mode of lawful gaming” shall be approved in the city while it operates.
Bally’s has hired one of the city’s most influential lobbyists in the former mayor. The company has contracted Lightfoot’s law firm, RKF Global, to conduct its legal matters surrounding the VGT dispute.
Lightfoot Lobbying
Bally’s says RFK Global will help the casino company navigate the legality of the city allowing VGT terminals in restaurants and bars, truck stops, and fraternal organizations.
We are pleased to have built an excellent and knowledgeable team here in Chicago. As we ramp up our efforts to protect our investment in the city, we have also brought on the strategic counsel of RKF Global PLLC, where former Mayor Lightfoot is a partner,” Bally’s said in a statement.
During her time as mayor, Lightfoot’s administration chose Bally’s over bids from Hard Rock International and Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming. Lightfoot favored Bally’s because the company pledged to make a one-time payment of $40 million to the city and an annual guarantee of $4 million to support the city’s maligned finances.
Lightfoot was a steadfast opponent of VGTs during her mayorship, arguing that a full-fledged casino would deliver many more benefits. Those benefits, Bally’s says, are at risk now that the City Council has voted to allow the gaming machines.
Bally’s Projects VGT Damages
Bally’s contends that VGTs will poach play from its forthcoming casino resort, and that will lead to thousands of fewer jobs and millions in reduced local tax revenue. Bally’s says the games also make its Host Community Agreement null, and therefore the terms and annual payments will need to be renegotiated.
“[Exclusivity] drove up our bid. If we had known we wouldn’t have exclusivity, our bid would have been completely different,” Christopher Jewett, Bally’s senior vice president of corporate development, recently told the city’s Workforce Development Committee. “Exclusivity was promised.”
Bally’s Chicago is slated to open next year with 3,400 slot machines, 170 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook. The resort will include 500 hotel rooms, a 3,000-seat theater, numerous restaurants and bars, and a public park along the Chicago Riverwalk.
