Bally’s Corp Updates Investors on Chicago Casino Timeline and Bronx Financing Deal

Bally’s Corp held an investor call on September 15, 2026, where company representatives outlined the status of its permanent Chicago casino project and announced new financing secured for a separate development in the Bronx; the Chicago facility remains scheduled for an early 2027 opening even after adjustments tied to a dispute with the city over video gaming terminals.

Chicago Project Maintains Early 2027 Target

During the call, Bally’s Corp executives stated that the permanent Chicago casino continues to move forward according to the revised schedule, with an opening expected in early 2027 despite modifications required by ongoing discussions with city officials regarding the placement and operation of newly legalized video gaming terminals. The adjustments reflect negotiations that address local regulatory requirements while preserving the core construction timeline that company officials had previously communicated to investors.

Those following the project note that the dispute centers on how video gaming terminals integrate into the overall facility design, yet Bally’s Corp has indicated that these changes do not alter the target opening window. Construction activities continue at the site, and the company has maintained regular updates with stakeholders about progress toward completion of the permanent structure.

Bronx Project Receives $560 Million Financing Package

Separately, Bally’s Corp secured $560 million in new financing commitments to support its downstate New York casino at Ferry Point Park in the Bronx. The package includes $400 million in term loan commitments and $160 million in delayed draw commitments, with WhiteHawk Capital Partners serving as the lead arranger. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

The Bronx project received its license in December 2025, followed by site acquisition in March 2026. Plans for the facility include 3,500 slots, 210 table games, a hotel, an event center, and additional amenities designed to serve the regional market. Company representatives described the financing as a key step that provides the capital structure needed to advance construction and operational preparations once regulatory clearances are obtained.

Regulatory and Development Context

The September 15, 2026 investor call occurred amid broader developments in Illinois and New York gaming markets, where state and local authorities oversee licensing and operational standards. Bally’s Corp has coordinated with the relevant regulatory bodies to ensure compliance across both projects, including adherence to rules governing video gaming terminals in Chicago and full licensing requirements in New York.

Financing arrangements of this scale typically involve multiple layers of review before closing, and Bally’s Corp noted that the delayed draw component allows flexibility as construction milestones are reached at the Bronx site. The term loan portion provides immediate support for land-related costs and initial build-out activities once the transaction receives final approvals.

Project Timelines and Next Steps

For the Chicago casino, the company continues to target an early 2027 opening while working through the remaining elements of the video gaming terminal agreement with the city. Construction crews maintain activity on the permanent facility, and Bally’s Corp has stated that no further timeline shifts are anticipated beyond the adjustments already incorporated.

In New York, the Bronx project moves toward financial close in Q3 2026, after which development can accelerate. The planned amenities, including the hotel and event center, form part of a larger destination strategy that aligns with market demand in the downstate region. Regulatory review remains the immediate focus before funds are drawn and construction advances.

Conclusion

The September 15, 2026 investor call provided updates on two distinct Bally’s Corp initiatives that reflect the company’s ongoing expansion in major urban markets. The Chicago project stays on course for early 2027 despite the video gaming terminal negotiations, while the Bronx development gains financial backing through the $560 million commitment led by WhiteHawk Capital Partners. Both efforts proceed under established regulatory frameworks in their respective states, with the next milestones centered on completing agreements in Chicago and achieving closing in New York.