Bally's Chicago won't be fined for river dumping accident

Posted: January 10, 2025, 10:23 pm.

Last updated: January 10, 2025, 10:57 pm.

Bailey Corporation, the casino operator behind a $1.7 billion development in Chicago's River West neighborhood, will not be punished for a demolition accident last month that sent debris into the Chicago River.

Rhode Island-based Bally's purchased the Freedom Center for $200 million in November 2022 after acquiring development rights to the Windy City for an integrated resort casino. destruction of Chicago-Tribune And Chicago Sun-Times The 500-room hotel resort and printing facility opened in August 2024 to become an entertainment and hospitality destination with a casino floor with 3,400 slot machines, 173 live dealer table games, VIP rooms and a sportsbook.

However, the incident became a matter of concern after white powdery foam was seen flowing in the river. State and local officials launched an investigation to determine environmental protection deficiencies.

no penalty this time

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Chicago Department of Buildings, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District investigated the river dumping incident. He concluded that no laws were broken in the accident and therefore the imposition of a fine was not appropriate. However, a remedial plan was essential.

Building construction department officials said demolition, which was halted after the dumping disaster, was allowed to resume today. The city agency said it was satisfied with the general contractor's “corrective action plan” and considered the case closed.

The Chicago Community Builders Collective said remedial steps include strengthening mesh netting and adding barges to the river to collect anything that crosses the barrier.

Bally's recruitment fair

The permanent Bally's Chicago Casino Resort is not expected to open until late 2026, but a temporary casino inside the Medina Temple is scheduled to operate from September 2023. As business and operations continue to boom, Bally's is looking for more people to staff its temporary operations. , with the hope that most of the staff would relocate to the permanent resort within a few years.

As we continue to grow, we want to fill our coffers with good, talented employees, energetic employees and people who truly want a growth path as we continue to grow and expand and reach our permanent location in late 2026. Ready to move into facility. ,” said Monica Scott, vice president of community engagement for Baileys Chicago.

Bailey is willing to train anyone interested in becoming a table game dealer with a free, six-week course. The more games a dealer learns, the more he gets paid. Click here for more information about Dealer School and other available jobs.

Temporary Bally Chicago generated gross gaming revenues of $124.6 million in its first 12 months of operation.