Bally’s Casino Chicago Hits Key Construction Milestone

Fahad Umar
January 28, 2026
8:51 am

The Bally’s Casino Chicago project is not just another building in the skyline of the Windy City.

It’s set to be a monumental addition to River West, transforming the former Tribune Publishing site into a vibrant hub of entertainment and leisure. With the recent installation of the first glass panels on the hotel tower, the project has hit a crucial milestone.

The news comes one the heels of the introduction of a bill to extend the temporary casino’s license for up to another year to cover any construction delays that might occur. So, the glass installation is a good sign.

Here’s a closer look at what this means for the future of Bally’s Casino Chicago and the progress being made on the hotel tower.

What the Glass Installation Signifies

The installation of the first set of glass curtain wall panels, occurring around the sixth floor, is a crucial step toward completing the building’s exterior.

This phase marks a transition from the structural focus of erecting concrete and steel to the more aesthetic stage of adding cladding. The first panels give a glimpse of the sleek, mirror-like surface that will soon reflect the beauty of the Chicago River, hinting at the architectural grandeur planned for Bally’s Casino Chicago.

During construction, it’s common to use a few panels as a “mock-up” to test their appearance and fit with interior systems before proceeding with a full installation.

Status of the Hotel Tower

The hotel tower is envisioned as an impressive 34-story structure that will become an integral component of Bally’s Casino Chicago.

Crews have actively worked up to the 15th floor, marking the project’s midway progress in terms of height. The pace of construction aligns with the goal of completing the structure aggressively, with the facade installation chasing the building as it ascends.

Despite previous delays due to regulatory hurdles and site plan revisions, the developers remain committed to delivering both the casino and hotel components in a single-phase plan. The overall project appears to be sticking to the aggressive timeline set to complete in late 2026.

How This Fits into Bally’s Broader Vision

Bally’s permanent casino is being built on a 30-acre site in Chicago’s River West neighborhood, and is poised to be a full-service urban entertainment destination.

The complex will include many amenities, including:

500-room hotel tower
Over 3,000 slots and numerous table games
3,000-seat theater, multiple dining venues
Public park with an extended riverwalk

The entire development, costing approximately $1.7 billion, is designed to transform this section of River West into an epicenter of hospitality and leisure.

Temporary Casino Open For The Time Being

Bally’s is currently operating out of a temporary venue at the Medinah Temple.

This location has always intended as a stopgap solution, allowing gamblers a taste of what Bally’s has to offer while the permanent casino is under construction.

It’s no surprise that, since opening its doors in 2023, since opening its doors, the temporary casino has become one of the most popular gaming destinations in the state.

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Bally’s Casino Chicago Staying on Track

However, this new glass installation on the permanent site signals a promising move forward.

Despite potential legislative extensions for the temporary site, Bally’s has assured stakeholders that they aim to complete the permanent complex on schedule.

In short, the installation of the glass panels on Bally’s Casino Chicago’s hotel tower is more than just a step in construction—it’s a big step toward welcoming a new era of entertainment and luxury to Chicago.

As the project takes shape against the city’s iconic skyline, anticipation builds for the day when Bally’s Casino Chicago opens its doors to the public.