Temporary casinos in Chicago and Waukegan will remain open longer after Illinois regulators approved extensions, allowing operations to continue while permanent resorts are built and a tribal-backed legal challenge tied to the Waukegan license remains unresolved. The decision keeps gaming activity running at both locations while work continues on their permanent casino developments.
The board approved steps tied to provisions contained in the state’s Revenue Omnibus Bill, which is still awaiting the governor’s signature. Once that happens, authority delegated to the Illinois Gaming Board administrator will allow the extensions to move forward.
Under the plan, Bally’s Chicago Operating Company, LLC, doing business as Bally’s Chicago, can continue operating its temporary casino for another 12 months. The extension covers the period from September 6, 2026, through September 9, 2027.
In Waukegan, FHR-Illinois LLC, doing business as American Place, received approval for an additional 18 months of temporary operations. Its extension runs from August 18, 2027, through February 17, 2029.
Bally’s temporary casino goes ahead in Illinois as Waukegan still faces tribal lawsuit
The Chicago extension comes as Bally’s continues construction on its permanent riverfront casino and entertainment complex. Earlier this year, the $1.7 billion development reached its full structural height, marking a major construction milestone. The project is expected to become the city’s first permanent casino destination and remains one of the largest gaming developments underway in Illinois.
In Waukegan, the long-running casino licensing process has continued to draw attention. A lawsuit involving the Forest County Potawatomi Community has challenged aspects of the selection process and could potentially require the city to revisit elements of how casino licenses were evaluated. Despite that legal dispute, development plans for the permanent American Place casino have continued to move ahead.
Board members also discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen responsible gambling protections. Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter said the agency is working with researchers and industry experts to examine possible upgrades to the state’s voluntary Self-Exclusion Program.
“The IGB’s goal is to expand coverage to the Self-Exclusion Program to address existing gaps through research-driven and data-informed changes and enhancements to help ensure the program continues to evolve, serve the needs of participants, and best support individuals in their treatment and recovery from problem gambling without undue barriers,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter.
“Among other actions, we are engaged with experts to determine the most viable technical solution to incorporate the Self-Exclusion Program into Illinois video gaming, an agency priority that I have frequently discussed. While we have made no decisions or finalized plans on the technology or implementation methodology, we are committed to achieving this important goal and we are moving forward.”
Fruchter said more updates are expected later this summer.
The meeting also included several licensing decisions. Regulators approved renewals and occupational licenses across casino gaming, video gaming and sports wagering, while denying one casino occupational license application and one video gaming location application. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2026. Illinois currently has 17 casinos, 13 active and approved sportsbooks, and nearly 9,000 licensed video gaming establishments.
Featured image: Waukegan American Place via website
