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With construction of a Bally’s casino in Chicago expected to be complete later this year, the company is also eyeing adding slot machines to the city’s two major airports.
Under the plan, Bally’s would run slot lounges at both O’Hare and Midway airports, with the city getting a cut of revenue.
City leaders have considered legalizing video gambling terminals (VGTs) in recent weeks. Bally’s hopes money from slot machines at the airports could offset the $6.8 million in revenue expected from legalizing VGTs, which Bally’s opposes.
“We believe one lounge can generate approximately $5 million in actual gaming and admission taxes, which go directly to the city,” Bally’s Senior Vice President for Corporate Development Christopher Jewett told the City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development on Wednesday. “This alone can replace the revenue in question.”
City Seeks Revenue
The city of Chicago has recently looked for more tax revenue from the gaming sector to fill a hole in the budget. That has included raising taxes on sports betting operators. The city council recently approved a $16.6 billion budget that axed a ban on video gambling machines at bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and other locations.
The $6.8 million revenue figure is based on 80% of the 3,300 eligible establishments with off-premise liquor licenses applying for a license to house VGTs, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Alderman Anthony Beale has backed the VGT plan and noted that Bally’s had already been authorized by the state years ago to put slots in the airport but has yet to act. He pointed out, however, that those machines would only fund airport operations, and the city would still be without needed funds.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has opposed VGT expansion, saying the move would violate the city’s agreement with Bally’s. Jewett told the Sun-Times that Bally’s may not have moved forward with the casino had the company known VGTs would be legal.
“Had we known that, within just a few years, this body would reverse course and allow an alternative form of gambling that breaches the agreement, we would never agree to the numerous commitments, all of which we’ve held up,” he said.
The council meeting was eventually adjourned with no action taken.
Chicago C
Nevada is the only state in the country that has slot machines at airports.
Slots fans waiting for a plane can drop a few bucks on their favorite games at both Harry Reid International in Las Vegas and Reno-Tahoe International in Reno.
Some other gaming options may be coming to air travelers. Last year, Delta Airlines signed a deal with DraftKings to offer in-flight games. The company has also considered allowing flyers to bet on sports.