Chicago is witnessing a surge of interest in video gambling machines as hundreds of local businesses seek to install the devices, marking the city’s first major expansion of state-sanctioned slots outside Bally’s Chicago Casino.

To date, six bars and restaurants—primarily in neighborhoods such as Beverly, Lake View, Mount Greenwood, and Printers Row—have received approval from Illinois regulators to introduce video gambling terminals. However, city officials must also grant final authorization before the machines can be put into operation.

The recent activation of this new gambling avenue follows a City Council decision last fall to permit video gaming against the objections of Mayor Brandon Johnson. The mayor has expressed concerns that widespread deployment of these machines could negatively impact Bally’s casino, which is scheduled to open next year at 777 W. Chicago Ave. in the River West neighborhood, potentially eroding its customer base and revenues. Bally’s has warned that the proliferation of video gambling could jeopardize more than 1,000 jobs, reduce a $4 million annual payment to the city, and diminish an estimated $74 million in annual tax revenue.

Despite this, the appetite for video gambling among Chicago establishments remains strong. At least 279 bars, restaurants, gas stations, and a veterans’ hall have submitted applications to the state to install slot machines, with many more expected. Approximately 3,300 businesses within the city are eligible to apply, and experts project that about 80% will seek licenses, potentially resulting in upwards of 2,600 venues offering video gambling.

The geographic distribution of applications is uneven, with a majority clustered on the North Side of Chicago, where 146 businesses—including notable sites such as the Cubby Bear, Parrots Bar & Grill, and both Emporium locations—have applied. The South Side accounts for 91 applicants, featuring establishments like Reggie’s Bar & Grill and the Cove Lounge, while 37 businesses near Downtown, including Miller’s Pub, have also sought approval. The West Side currently has the fewest applications, with just five pending.

Several establishments on the Far South Side have already been approved, including Cork and Kerry, Lawlor’s Bar, Hippo’s, and Bar 106. Other notable greenlit venues include Eggsperience on the North Side and Half Sour in the South Loop.

Illinois’ video gaming network, regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, encompasses nearly 9,000 licensed locations statewide with over 49,000 slot machines, making it one of the largest regulated video gaming systems globally. Since launch in 2012, video gambling has expanded to more than 1,100 municipalities in Illinois and has become a significant tax revenue source, surpassing casino income by 2017 and overtaking the Illinois Lottery in 2025 with revenue contributions totaling $871 million to the state. In 2025 alone, gamblers lost over $3 billion on video terminals statewide.

Under state regulations, bars and restaurants are allowed a maximum of six slot machines each, with bets capped at $4 and payouts reaching up to $1,199, or progressive jackpots of $10,000. The machines’ popularity has also brought an increase in related criminal activity, including burglaries targeting establishments with slots.

Bally’s casino, currently operating temporarily at the Medinah Temple, has faced operational challenges and revenue shortfalls since its opening in September 2023. Its permanent facility, backed by a $1.7 billion investment, is expected to launch in early 2027 after receiving legislative approval to extend the temporary license.

The Illinois Gaming Board is scheduled to review and announce the next round of video gambling approvals at a public meeting on August 20, setting the stage for further expansion of gambling options throughout Chicago.