Bally’s Chicago has not met supporters’ expectations after three months of operation, based on Illinois Gaming Board data.
In November, the casino attracted 86,459 visitors, or 2,882 people per day, a slight increase from 2,681 visitors a day in October, and a decrease of 14 percent from 3,347 daily visitors in September. Still, the temporary facility was the second-most visited of Illinois’ 15 casinos, following Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
Adjusted gross revenue for November was $7.6 million, an average of $253,604 per day, a slight rise from October’s daily average of $245,446 but a 9 percent drop from September’s daily revenue of $278,268. The November figure ranked Bally’s fourth, behind Rivers, Grand Victoria and Harrah’s Joliet.
Bally’s officials put a more positive spin on the November numbers. In a statement, the company said, “Bally’s Chicago Casino is pleased to announce gradual growth in our third month of operation, situated temporarily at the historic Medinah Temple in Chicago. Since our soft opening in September, the Gross Gaming Revenue has surged from $6.8 million to an impressive $8.9 million. The monthly attendance figures have seen a continuous rise, starting at 80,000 visitors and reaching 86,000 visitors by the end of November.”
The statement continued, “In collaboration with our community partners and the unwavering support from the local government agencies, Bally’s Chicago Casino has become a thriving attraction on the Magnificent Mile, contributing to the economic and entertainment landscape of Chicago. The positive response and success achieved in our initial months of operation only fuel our enthusiasm for the continued growth and success of Bally’s Chicago Casino.”
