🎰 Bally’s vs. Chicago

Bally’s Hires Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot

Bally’s casino warned City Council that it might sue Chicago. They’ve been at odds after the council approved video gambling terminals, known as VGTs, in city bars, restaurants, and convenience stores. The casino has hired former Mayor Lori Lightfoot's law firm to navigate the dispute.

The move raises ethical concerns because Lightfoot’s administration awarded Bally’s the contract to build Chicago’s first and only casino over competing bids in 2022.

What’s the beef? At a committee hearing, a Bally’s official reminded alders that a 2022 agreement with the Lightfoot administration gave the company a monopoly on electronic gambling devices within city limits. Bally’s claims the proliferation of VGTs threatens its profitability and violates the contract.

But can Lightfoot represent Ballys? Chicago ethics ordinance prohibits former officials who managed a city contract from representing that vendor after leaving City Hall. This restriction lasts for the entire life or term of the contract.

If the contract is voided? Bally’s said it could stop licensing payments to the city — $4 million annually. The company also warned that it would cost the city $74 million in annual revenue and up to 1,050 jobs. Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the council’s workforce development committee to consider reversing video gambling devices in the city.

Video gambling was approved in December in hopes of boosting the city’s tax revenues and helping businesses struggling to get patrons in the door. The city’s 2026 budget includes $6.8 million in revenue from video gambling.

• Burglaries on the rise: Establishments that offer VGTs have reported over 500 burglaries so far this year, with more than $1.5 million stolen.

Bally’s Casino is set to open in early 2027. The $1.8 billion project had a “topping off” ceremony in April, where they thanked Lightfoot and former 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett Jr for leading the deal.

Mayor Pushes Tenant Protections

Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a tenants’ rights package that would cap move-in and junk fees, create a rental registry disclosing landlord information, and require landlords to provide evidence for evictions. A final vote may not come until fall. [Tribune 🔒]

Who Were the Agents in Midway Blitz?

Many of the federal immigration officers here in the fall wore masks while deploying tear gas, assaulting residents, and making arrests. Now, through body-cam footage and written reports, Block Club has identified 271 of those agents. [Block Club]

Broken Arrow Rodeo Leaving Chicago

The South Side’s Broken Arrow Speed and Action Rodeo Horse Show will move 50 miles south to a 40-acre ranch near Beecher, Illinois, after 37 years in Chicago. Organizers say the South Shore Cultural Center is no longer an adequate home for the summer rodeo. [Hyde Park Herald]