Bally’s identifies Midway Airport site as Chicago weighs airport slot machines

Bally’s Corporation has identified a site at Midway International Airport for potential slot-machine installations, according to Chicago officials.

The development was disclosed during the first day of City Council hearings on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $16.6 billion budget.

Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski said the city has been in talks with Bally’s regarding the possibility of adding slot machines at both O’Hare and Midway airports.

“We’ve had a conversation with Bally’s about moving that forward. … We have been in conversation with them about investigating that. They have expressed interest,” Jaworski told council members, as reported by the Chicago Sun Times. “There are some technical challenges that we have to deal with — ensuring that we’re complying with all the regulations that are at the airports. But those conversations have been ongoing. They have identified a site at Midway, and we continue to work to move that forward.”

Jaworski said discussions are focused on how to ensure compliance with aviation and gaming regulations before any installation can take place. The idea of introducing slot machines at Chicago’s airports dates back to state legislation that granted the city the authority several years ago, but the plan has not yet advanced to implementation.

The concept has drawn differing opinions among city officials. Jason Lee, a senior adviser to Mayor Johnson, voiced skepticism in August, questioning whether airport slot machines would fit the public’s expectations of Chicago.

“I don’t know if a broader expansion or Vegas-style slots in a Chicago airport would really be something that the public is interested in,” Lee said. “That would be a pretty significant change to the culture of our airports. Chicago is not known primarily as a gaming destination like Las Vegas. It would … raise a number of concerns.”

Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward), who has long supported the proposal, welcomed Jaworski’s confirmation that discussions with Bally’s are progressing.

“They’re finally starting to realize that any form of revenue, especially given the deficit we’re facing, should be on the table. And this would generate anywhere between $30 million $40 million,” he said. “This was a layup. The General Assembly gave us this authority three or four years ago in the casino bill. And it’s a shame that the previous administration and this administration haven’t acted to look at all of the revenue that’s on the table instead of nickel-and-diming people.”

Villegas has introduced an ordinance that would authorize the installation of hundreds of video gambling machines beyond airport security checkpoints. He said the proposal could provide entertainment for travelers while generating additional city revenue.

“You’re supposed to get to the airport two to three hours ahead of time,” he said. “This would allow adults 21 and over to kill some time, capture some dollars from visitors coming through the city, and give [Bally’s] the ability to promote itself in case those folks come back and have the opportunity to visit the land-based casino.”

Villegas said any slot machines should be located in enclosed lounges beyond the checkpoints, similar to airline club areas, where food and drinks could be served.

“It would be sectioned in an area where it’s not chintzy,” he said. “Just like when I fly, I go to the United Club to grab a bite to eat, maybe get a drink while I’m waiting for my flight. If a lounge was available and I felt like it, maybe I’d go spend 10 or 20 bucks to kill more time, maybe get lucky and get some additional spending money for my trip.”

According to Jaworski, talks with Bally’s are continuing, and the city is reviewing the operational and regulatory requirements for any airport gaming setup.