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The Bally’s Chicago casino project is on hold as the Illinois Gaming Board is investigating the subcontracting of a waste removal service with alleged connections to organized crime. The use of an authorized supplier represents a violation of the rules governing gambling licensees. Although Bally’s has apparently stopped using the contractor, the potential violation has led to a stop-work order and an investigation that may push back the project’s timeline to completion.

Harrah’s Metropolis Casino announced last weekend that it would temporarily shut down because of flooding in the area. The casino closed at 5 p.m. on Sunday with no timetable for an re-opening date. It issued the following message on its website: “Due to rising water levels on the Ohio River, Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino is temporarily closed as of 5 p.m., April 6, 2025.

The Village of East Dundee might see a decline in video gaming terminals (VGTs), as the Village Board is considering actions to rein in their proliferation. According to the Chicago Tribune, the village has one terminal for every 25 residents, a high number per capita. In November 2023, East Dundee put a one-year hold on VGT expansion following an influx of new requests for licenses. The village hosts 126 terminals in bars, restaurants, and gas stations.

The new Bally’s flagship casino in Chicago, gearing up for a fall 2026 opening following a renewed plan unveiled last month, entered a crucial phase this week as demolition began to clear the site for construction. The casino, with project estimates as high as $1.7 billion, will be built on the site of what was once the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center printing facility.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford, in conjunction with Hard Rock Digital, has launched the online Hard Rock Bet sportsbook in Illinois. It’s the ninth Illinois online sportsbook to launch in the state. Hard Rock Bet goes live in time for Hard Rock Rockford opening The sports betting app’s Illinois rollout comes days before Hard Rock Casino Rockford opens its permanent location on Aug. 29.

Leaders of the Southwest Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook want to know what the village’s residents think about video gaming terminals. The Bolingbrook Village Board approved a question that will appear on the ballot in November.

Illinois casinos started Fiscal Year 2025 strong. July revenue kept pace with prior months and slightly outpaced year-over-year totals. Illinois’ 15 casinos combined for $135.8 million in adjusted gross receipts in July. That’s close to the $138.3 million that casinos totaled in June, which brought Fiscal Year 2024 to a close with more than $1.6 billion in revenue. July’s revenue was around 2% better than last July, when casinos collected $133.3 million.

It’s still uncertain when Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino will open, but Wind Creek tells PlayIllinois it is still “slated to open in fall 2024.” The casino’s parent company recently put out a call for workers. It seeks to fill a wide range of jobs, including casino operations roles, hotel positions, spa jobs, valets, security and surveillance posts, and a range of administration, finance, and marketing positions.

Bally’s Chicago has opened its VIP Lounge. The new lounge is the newest addition to the downtown temporary casino, which is located in the former Medinah Temple building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 19 welcomed eligible guests to a quiet, exclusive lounge where they will receive special perks.

In an obvious choice for the city of Rockford, a 62-foot version of the checkered Cheap Trick Hamer Standard guitar is going up outside the Hard Rock Casino Rockford ahead of its Aug. 29 opening. Rock band Cheap Trick hails from Rockford, and Rick Nielsen, who made his career playing Hamer guitars, still resides in the city.