(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Executives at Bally's say they have gotten approval from regulators to open their temporary casino at the old Medinah Temple in River North.
The doors will open to the public at 8 a.m. Saturday, company officials said in a news release issued Friday. Casino employees did a practice run of the operation earlier this week, under the eye of the Illinois Gaming Board. Proceeds from those sessions will be donated to charity, officials said.
Saturday's casino opening comes despite concerns from downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly and others about traffic and other issues associated with a casino. The city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications said Traffic Control Aides and police will be on hand.
Chicago's first-ever casino will funnel tax revenue to the city and the state while Bally's builds a permanent casino near Goose Island.
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