City Council Committee Approves Bally's Casino Plan in River North

CHICAGO — Bally's bid to build a casino along the Chicago River looks like a safe bet to win final approval after a key committee vote on Monday.

A City Council special committee voted 27-3 in favor of the plan, which calls for on the Chicago Tribune printing plant property near Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street.

Downtown Aldermen. Brian Hopkins and Brendan Reilly and Lincoln Park Ald. Michelle Smith voted no on the proposal.

The proposed $1.7 billion casino will have 3,400 slot machines, 500 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, 500-room hotel, an exhibition hall, outdoor music venue and six restaurants.

Bally's was selected from a trio of finalists that included pitches to develop casinos near Soldier Field and along the South Branch of Chicago River. Bally's Corporation expects the casino project will create 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs in the casino.

Monday's vote forwards the proposal for final City Council consideration Wednesday.