Bally’s Faces Probe for Alleged Casino Bid Rigging in Chicago

Bally’s, a major gambling company, is under investigation for allegedly rigging the bid to build Chicago’s first casino-hotel. The federal prosecutor and the Illinois authorities are looking into the matter, according to American media sources who claim to have insider information. However, neither the prosecutor’s office nor Bally’s have confirmed the news.

The bid took place in May 2022, and Bally’s won with a $1.7 billion project that would be completed by 2026. Some of the big names in the gambling industry, like MGM and Wynn, did not participate in the bid because of the high taxes imposed on casinos in Chicago.

Bally’s beat two other bidders, Hard Rock International and the local company Rush Street Gaming. It is rumored that the losing bidders might have complained to the prosecutor’s office about the bid process.

The former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who was in charge of the city during the bid, is also suspected of favoring Bally’s over the other candidates. Some of the allegations include that Rush Street Gaming had to pay twice as much as Bally’s for the bid application fee, and that Bally’s financial indicators were inflated to make them look more attractive.