Few Chicagoans oppose casino development in River West

On May 25, 2022, the Chicago City Council confirmed Bally’s Corporation’s as the winner among a crowded field of bidders to construct a casino in the city. The agreement for the development—to be constructed in Chicago’s River West neighborhood—includes a $40 million down payment to city and an estimated $200 million in tax revenue annually. The River West casino is scheduled to open its doors in early 2026, with a temporary casino housed in River North’s Medinah Temple opening in the second quarter of 2023.

In June, the Harris Poll conducted a representative online survey of Chicagoland adults (i.e. adults living in Cook County or the city of Chicago) to gauge public opinion about the prospective development. About half of all Chicagoland residents at least somewhat support the casino development in the River West neighborhood, while only 20% oppose. Among those who were previously aware of the development, support increases to 58%. Conversely, support decreases to 46% among those who were not aware of, or were unsure of, the development plans.

In general, those who support the development of the casino have a more positive view of Chicago’s downtown area, compared to those who do not, suggesting that support for the casino likely corresponds to support for downtown. Seven in 10 Chicagoland residents who support the upcoming development (71%) at least somewhat agree that they enjoy spending time downtown. This decreases to 55% among those who oppose the casino. Similarly, those who support the casino more often agree that the downtown area is attracting new residents and business, compared to those who oppose (50% and 31%, respectively).

This survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from June 7, 2022 to June 17, 2022 among 1,003 Chicagoland adults, ages 18+ (i.e., Cook County residents). Figures for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, region, household income, and propensity to be online have been weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions within the local population. Respondents for this survey were selected from a pool of potential respondents who have agreed to participate in The Harris Poll’s online research. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 4.0 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For more information, please contact Madelyn Franz, or Andrew Laningham.