Bally’s has proposed opening slot machine lounges at Chicago’s two major airports as the city continues to debate expanding gambling to generate additional tax revenue. The proposal will see Bally’s operate dedicated slot lounges at both O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, with one lounge planned for each passenger terminal. According to the company, a share of the gaming revenue would go directly to city development.
The idea comes as Chicago officials consider allowing video gambling terminals (VGTs) in bars, restaurants, convenience stores and other eligible businesses. Bally’s has opposed that proposal, arguing that airport gaming could generate similar revenue without expanding gambling across the city.
Speaking before the City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development, Bally’s Senior Vice President for Corporate Development, Christopher Jewett, said each airport lounge could generate about $5 million in gaming and admission taxes.
Move may provide new revenue streams
The company believes this would help replace the estimated $6.8 million in annual revenue the city expects to collect if VGTs are introduced more widely. Chicago has been searching for new revenue sources as it works to balance its finances. The city recently approved a $16.6 billion budget that removed its long-standing ban on VGTs, while also increasing taxes on sports betting operators.
However, Bally’s argues the discussion is about more than simply adding new gambling options. The company says its original agreement to build Chicago’s permanent casino was negotiated when VGT expansion was not part of the city’s plans. Executives have suggested they would have approached the project differently had they known broader gambling expansion would later be considered.
Bally’s permanent casino is expected to open later this year, making it one of the city’s biggest entertainment developments. The airport proposal is also tied to an earlier provision that already allows Bally’s to install slot machines at Chicago airports, subject to regulatory approvals and operational requirements. Unlike VGTs spread across thousands of businesses, airport gaming would take place in controlled, secure areas after passenger security screening, creating what Bally’s describes as a more focused gaming environment.
The company believes airport lounges could provide a practical compromise by generating tax revenue while preserving the exclusivity arrangements linked to its casino investment.
As discussions around new gaming opportunities continue, many players are also exploring digital casino entertainment from home. Interest in top-rated online slots for real money has grown as regulated platforms offer a wide variety of slot titles and convenient online gaming experiences.
Officials question delay
Not everyone agrees with that approach. Alderman Anthony Beale has noted that Bally’s received airport gaming authorisation years ago and questioned why the company has not yet acted. He also argued that airport slot machines would mainly benefit airport operations rather than addressing the city’s broader budget needs.
Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has opposed wider VGT expansion, saying it could conflict with the city’s existing agreement with Bally’s. Despite the lengthy discussion, the City Council committee ended its meeting without taking any formal action on either proposal.
If eventually approved, Chicago would become one of the few places in the United States to offer slot machines inside commercial airports. At present, Nevada remains the only state with airport slot machines, operating them at both Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Any Chicago airport gaming proposal would still require further regulatory and local approvals before moving ahead.
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