[3] In the 2019 mayoral election, the topic of constructing a casino in the city was a main subject to then-mayoral candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle with both signaling their approval for the project.

[7] In November 2019 a gaming bill proposed by Pritzker failed to be passed in the Illinois Legislature due to a veto session.

[1] She stated that proposals must include plans for a 500-room hotel, meeting space, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

The first was from Rush Street Gaming, which would cost US$1.62 billion and would be built between the South Loop and Chinatown along the Chicago River.

[11] The second was a US$1.74 billion proposal from the eventual chosen Bally's Corporation to build the casino and resort on the Chicago Tribune printing plant in the River West neighborhood.

[14] When the Bally's Corporation sought their bid, they proposed a $1.6 billion casino and resort, where the current Chicago Tribune Publishing Center is located.

[15] Bally Corporation and Community Investment Programs are record owners of the resort, and architects, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, will oversee the construction with several additional firms.

[2] The first phase of the process would cost $1 billion, which would include 2,700 slot machines, 95 table games, a suite-only hotel, with 100 suites.