Bally’s Chicago Casino at Medinah Temple

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After pushing back the original opening date for its temporary casino, Bally's temporary casino at the Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash Ave in Chicago's River North neighborhood opened to the public on Sept. 9, 2023. The Illinois Gaming Board limits the operation of a temporary facility to two years. Bally’s may have an option to extend for an additional 12 months, allowing the casino operator to stay up to three years in Medinah Temple, according to reports.

The three-story interim casino features nearly 800 slot machines and more than 50 table games, according to Bally's. It also includes two restaurants; the diner-style Medinah Bistro, and the Asian street food noodle bar Kitchen 888. The casino also has full-service bars on the first and third floors, and a coffee bar, Wabash Café. VIP Bally Rewards members who meet the criteria also have access to a VIP Lounge located on the third level. 

While there are no on-site accommodations at the temporary casino, Bally's has partnered with The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North, located at 505 N State St, just one block south of Bally’s Casino Chicago Medinah Temple. The 4-star boutique hotel features an indoor pool and sundeck, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service restaurant, a terrace, a bar/lounge, a banquet hall, meeting rooms and 8,150 square feet of conference space. It is just a 10-minute walk from Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk. 

The Royal Sonesta also offers parking to Bally's overnight guests. Parking accommodations can also be found at 50 E Ohio, 10 E Grand, and 21 W Ohio St.

*Must be 21 or older with proper I.D.

The project was given the green light by state gambling regulators on June 14, 2023, and the approval moves the proposal one step closer to opening its doors at River North. 

Bally's temporary casino at the former site of Bloomingdale's Home Store will operate until the company's approximately $1.7 billion Bally’s Chicago Casino Resort can be constructed into a permanent spot planned for the River West neighborhood on a portion of the Tribune Publishing Plant site. Construction of the permanent venue is slated to open in late 2025 or the first quarter of 2026.

The much anticipated permanent casino resort development expected to start being built no sooner than July 2024 at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street will reportedly include a casino, food hall and restaurants, a theater and event space, a museum and exhibition area, and VIP areas, as well as a 500-key hotel. The more than 10 acres of outdoor space include a park for the community, which will allow for various programs such as art fairs and farmers markets, according to Bally's.

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Dining & Restaurants

Kitchen 888

• Serving: Asian Fusion

Inspired by Asian Street Food, Kitchen 888 at Bally's Chicago has a lively atmosphere and serves authentic Asian cuisine. Hungry gamblers can choose from dim sum, including edamame, potstickers, Vietnamese egg rolls, Szechuan dumplings and wok-fried wings, along with noodles, stir fry & rice, a variety of sides and beverages.

 

Medinah Bistro

• Serving: Tex-Mex

if you're a bit hungry but don't want to have to leave the casino, Medinah Bistro at Bally's Chicago offers a relaxed atmosphere and a classic menu. Inspired by the tiny 41-stool neighborhood diner in the Windy City's Wicker Park, Dove's Luncheonette, this diner-style bistro serves Mex-Tex cuisine and a classic menu including starters, entrees and a selection of specialty Agave cocktails enjoyed at Dove's. 

Wabash Café

• Serving: Quick Eats, Coffee

With something for everyone, Wabash Café at Bally's Chicago serves signature LavAzza nitro brew and other specialty coffees along with a variety of quick eats such as salads, sandwiches, burritos, hot dogs, spring rolls, sweet treats and other non-alcoholic beverages. 

Bally's Chicago Casino Venues & Hotspots

Center Bar

The Center Bar greets patrons as they enter Bally's Chicago and is the perfect place to meet friends for cocktails, wine and local brews, after a long day or a night out. Specialty cocktails like Purple Haze, Pit Boss and Espresso Martini are just a few of the creations expertly mixed. Open daily.

VIP Lounge

Located on the third level at Bally's Chicago at Medinah Temple, the VIP Lounge is an exclusive benefit for VIP Bally Rewards members. Members who meet the criteria have access to the exclusive lounge that provides guests a break from the gaming floor and features complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages, comfortable seating and four televisions showing popular sports and entertainment programming. The high limit slots and VIP Player Services window is also located on the third level. The space has seating for 30 people at tables seating two to six people each.

Third Level Bar

This stylish, laid back bar located on the 3rd floor of Bally's Chicago at Medinah is where you want to be if you're looking to be seen. Serving creative cocktails and classic bar bites