Casino

The money, which was a major factor in making Bally's the frontrunner among three finalists, will support the city's pension costs.

After a heated vote, the $1.7 billion casino planned for the Tribune Publishing site now goes to the state's gaming board for final approval. Here's what it will look like.

The key vote came just weeks after Lightfoot announced Bally's was her top pick. The full City Council will vote on the controversial plan Wednesday.

Alderpeople must "do some studying this weekend" after last-minute updates. A vote is planned Monday, sending the proposal to the full City Council on Wednesday.

Residents said Thursday's town hall read like the riverfront Bally's casino is a "done deal." “We are connected to you — or we will be connected to you if we are successful,” Bally's Chairman Soo Kim said.

Ald. Brendan Reilly wants City Council to pump the brakes. "The last time we were given less than two weeks to vet and approve a deal, it blew up on our faces and it was called the parking meter deal."

The mayor is widely expected to choose the Bally’s River West proposal over the loud objections of neighbors and some aldermen.

None of the three casino finalists have signed a labor agreement with the city's powerful unions, leaders said. City officials also revealed they're trying to get more up-front cash from a casino to help with the 2023 budget.

The development team faced an uphill battle winning over residents, as the area's alderman has already said he can't support a casino at the site and a survey found neighbors also overwhelming oppose the plan.

City officials said Tuesday there will be three community meetings held for residents to discuss each of the proposals 6-8 p.m. April 5-7.

The idea that a casino be built in Bronzeville is "appalling and offensive," Ald. Sophia King says. "It would be like putting a casino in Harlem.”

"These are not things that just make a difference today, or tomorrow, but for generations," Emanuel said.