Chicago’s first casino opened in September at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., where Bally’s will house its temporary casino for at least three years while it builds a bigger permanent one about a mile away in River West on the current site of the Chicago Tribune’s printing facility.
Here’s what’s to know, whether you want to bet or just check out the spectacle:
When is it open?
As of Dec. 27, the casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Who can go?
Anyone 21 or older.
How much does it cost?
Only as much as you’re willing to lose. There is no admission fee.
How do I get there?
The Medinah Temple is at Ohio Street and Wabash Avenue, near the Grand Avenue station on the CTA’s Red Line L. It is served by CTA bus routes No. 65 and No. 125, among others. Bally’s also operates hourly shuttles from Chinatown, a practice that has concerned some neighborhood groups concerned about an increase in gambling addiction.
Where can I park?
Odds are low on finding street parking in this busy section of River North, but several garages are nearby. The casino will validate parking for discounted and sometimes free rates for the garage at 50 E. Ohio St. There is no valet parking.
Sounds like a traffic nightmare.
It sure does, a concern long raised by Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), who vehemently opposed the site. Bally’s has insisted the impact won’t be as bad as some think. City officials said they’d have traffic control aides on site to keep things moving, and police officers posted in the area to keep eyes on the situation.
What’s the deal with the building?
The 111-year-old Medinah Temple is designated as a historic city landmark with its Moorish architectural design and trademark copper onion-shaped domes. It served as the headquarters of the Shriners fraternal organization, hosted circuses and television specials, and, until 2020, housed a Bloomingdale’s store.
What can I play?
Nearly 800 slot machines are spread over three floors, along with 56 table games, including craps and roulette.
Is there a poker room?
No, but there are video poker machines. Bally’s says they’ll have a poker room in their permanent casino, slated to open in 2026 at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street.
Is there a sportsbook?
No, but there is a bar and lounge on the third floor with TVs tuned to sports — likely sufficient for the many sports bettors who have been able to wager legally on their phones and other mobile devices in Illinois since March 2020. Bally’s says it’ll eventually have a retail sportsbook on site.
What’s there to eat?
There’s a cafe, an Asian fusion restaurant and a “Medinah Bistro” inside the casino, and myriad dining options in the neighborhood nearby.
What about drinks?
There are large bars on the first and third levels of the casino. Alcohol is served from 9:30 a.m. until 4 a.m., per Illinois Gaming Board rules.
Free booze, right?
No, Illinois law prohibits casinos from giving free alcoholic beverages to patrons.
Where can I get help for a gambling problem?
Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 833234 for help from licensed gambling addiction counselors.
