CHICAGO CITY HALL (WBBM Newsradio) -- The operators of Chicago's only casino are hedging their bets as they continue work on their planned permanent casino along the Chicago River in West Town.
Bally's said it's asked the state for an extension of as much as a year on the license at its temporary casino at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., which is set to expire September 30.
Chicago state House Democrat Kam Buckner introduced the extension in the state Legislature Thursday.
"This is a failsafe just in case something happens where that timeline is slowed down so the whole project is not stalled," Rep. Buckner (D-26th District) told WBBM Newsradio.
A spokesperson for Bally's said it's still working toward its goal of opening the new casino by September 30, but asked for the extension as a precaution to avoid being forced to close.
The permanent Bally's casino project has already endured several delays, including two work stoppages and a re-design to avoid damaging underground water pipes.
The Medinah Temple location is the state's fifth highest-grossing casino, with receipts of $125 million last year.
Proceeds go to the city's police and fire pension funds.