Bally's temporary Chicago casino celebrates one millionth visitor milestone

The Bally's Chicago Casino is celebrating a new milestone, as the temporary location in the historic Medinah Temple welcomed its 1 millionth visitor in June. The achievement comes nine months after the opening of the temporary gambling venue, and as Bally's prepares to develop a permanent casino at the Tribune Freedom Center.

Don Neushwander and his partner, Hwa, from Morris, Illinois, walked in and were awarded a grand prize in commemoration of the milestone. Bally’s Chicago has consistently had the second most casino admissions in the state since opening in September, with monthly admissions increasing 48% between that month and May. The number of new and returning guests also continues to climb.

“In short order, our temporary Bally’s Chicago Casino is on track to have as many annual visitors as popular attractions like the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute of Chicago,” said Mark Wong, Vice President and General Manager.

“We thank the tremendous efforts of all of the first responders including Chicago Police, Chicago Fire, onsite Illinois Gaming Agents and the onsite Illinois State Police who maintain public safety and add to the vibrant recovery of River North and the Magnificent Mile,” said George Papanier, President at Bally’s Corporation.

Don and Hwa were celebrated with a grand prize that included a Carnival cruise for two, $1,000 cash, and dinner for two at one of Bally’s restaurants. All guests who visited Bally’s on the day of the 1 millionth visitor received a free Bally’s t-shirt.

🎉 Congratulations to our 1 millionth customer at Bally's Chicago! 🎉

We're thrilled to announce that this lucky customer won $1000 cash, a Carnival cruise for two, and a delicious dinner for 2 at Kitchen 888! pic.twitter.com/ovPOWxyGix

— Bally's Chicago (@BallysChicago) June 28, 2024

To continue celebrating the milestone, Bally’s is hosting the $1 Million Bally’s Ball promotion throughout July. Eligible guests will receive a postcard with six lucky numbers, which can be used for hourly drawings every Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Players who match between two and five numbers in any weekly drawing will win up to $5,000 in slot play or table bets. If an active Bally Rewards member matches all six numbers, they will win the grand prize of $1 million in cash (paid out as a 40-year annuity).

The 1 millionth visitor celebration comes as Bally’s assumes control of the Tribune Freedom Center building in July, with demolition to follow shortly thereafter. The casino hosted a Diversity Vendor Fair earlier this month to meet with minority, women, veterans, and disabled-owned businesses as it works on the permanent casino.