Bally's Chicago Avoids Fine After River Debris Incident During Demolition
Bally's Corporation won't face penalties for a December incident where demolition debris entered the Chicago River at their $1.7 billion casino development site in River West.
The incident occurred when protective mesh netting failed, allowing perlite—a non-toxic insulation material—to spill into the waterway. Though the accident caused visible white foam in the river, investigations by multiple agencies, including the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, found no violations.
Construction site with safety barrier
Construction has now resumed following approval of a corrective action plan that includes reinforced netting and a debris-collecting barge. The Chicago Community Builders Collective, a group of seven minority-led construction firms, expects to complete the Freedom Center demolition by January's end.
The site will eventually house a major entertainment complex featuring:
- 500-room hotel resort
- Casino with 3,400 slot machines
- 173 live dealer table games
- VIP rooms
- Sportsbook
While the permanent facility won't open until late 2026, Bally's temporary casino at Medinah Temple has operated since September 2023, generating $124.6 million in its first year. The company continues hiring, offering free six-week dealer training courses and various career opportunities for those interested in transitioning to the permanent location.
Bally's purchased the Freedom Center site in November 2022 for $200 million after winning Chicago's casino development rights. The demolition of the former Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times printing facility began in August 2024 to make way for the new complex.