Bally's Corporation is offering a 25% equity stake in its $1.7 billion Chicago casino resort through an initial public offering exclusively for women and minority investors. Individual investments range from $250 to $25,000, aiming to raise $250 million total.

Qualifying investors must be female or belong to minority groups including Black, Indian, Asian, Hispanic, Arab, or other communities recognized by Chicago as socially disadvantaged. Investment entities must be controlled by women or minorities to participate.

The minority ownership requirement stems from the Host Community Agreement (HCA) between Bally's and Chicago. The company is currently demolishing the former Freedom Center printing facility at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street, purchased for $200 million in November 2022.

The permanent casino resort, targeting a September 2026 opening, is expected to generate approximately $200 million annually in tax revenue for Chicago's first responder pension program. Meanwhile, Bally's operates a temporary facility at the Medinah Temple.

Additional HCA commitments include:

• 60% minority workforce
• 45% female employees
• 10% veterans and disabled persons

Bally's plans to partner with local workforce development organizations including Skills for Chicagoland's Future, Women Employed, Washington Heights Workforce Center, and Chicago Urban League to meet these employment goals.

While quarterly distributions are planned, Bally's cautions that investment carries significant risk and is suitable only for those who can afford to lose their entire investment.

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