Bally’s has retained former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s law firm as it prepares for a potential legal challenge against the City of Chicago over its decision. to allow video gambling terminalsadding another chapter to the increasingly controversial dispute surrounding the city’s first casino.
The casino operator confirmed that RKF Global PLC, of which Lightfoot is a partner, has joined its legal team as the company considers legal action over changes it believes violate the host agreement governing Bally’s Chicago casino project. The move drew criticism from ethics advocates and some city officials because Lightfoot negotiated the initial agreement while serving as mayor.
Bally’s announced the appointment in a statement, saying: "We are pleased to have built an excellent and knowledgeable team here in Chicago. As we work to protect our investment in the city, we have also brought on strategic advisor RKF Global PLC, of which former Mayor Lightfoot is a partner.”
Lightfoot declined to comment through a spokesperson, referring questions to Bally’s. RKF Global also did not provide open comments regarding this involvement.
The expansion of video gambling sparked disputes
The disagreement stems from Chicago’s decision to legalize video gambling terminals (VGT) as part of the city’s 2026 budget.
The budget package, approved by a majority of the City Council, is expected to generate about $6.8 million through machine licensing throughout Chicago. Bally’s has consistently opposed the measure, arguing that expanding access to video gambling would reduce casino revenues and weaken the financial assumptions underlying its investments.
In correspondence sent to the City Council earlier this month, Bally’s warned that unless the city reverses course, they will take legal action.
The company argued that allowing VGT would conflict with the casino’s host agreement and could eliminate the $4 million in annual payments it must make to the city. Bally’s also stated that the move could reduce the city’s annual revenue by about $74 million and jeopardize as many as 1,050 jobs associated with future temporary and permanent casino operations.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has also expressed concerns about the introduction of video gambling terminals, stating that the policy could violate existing agreements with Bally’s and expose Chicago to litigation.
The casino currently operates a temporary gaming venue at the Medina Temple while construction of a $1.7 billion permanent entertainment complex at River West continues. The development will include a casino, hotel, restaurants, theater and thousands of gaming positions once completed.
Ethical questions have arisen regarding Lightfoot’s role
Lightfoot’s involvement has drawn criticism because she played a central role in selecting Bally’s to develop Chicago’s first casino during her administration.
David Greising, president and chief executive of the Better Government Association, questioned whether the arrangement creates the appearance of conflict.
"He was hired to represent clients who were challenging their allegations regarding an agreement he negotiated when he was mayor. It feels like he’s playing both sides here.” Greising said.
He also argued that the city’s ethics ordinance appeared relevant because it prohibited former officials from assisting or representing clients on contracts for which they carried out substantial managerial responsibilities.
Steven Berlin, executive director of the Chicago Ethics Council, declined to comment specifically on Bally’s decision but noted that, in general, the city’s ethics rules prevent former mayors from representing clients in matters involving them personally and substantially for one year after leaving office.
Some City Council members voiced even stronger objections.
Alderman Anthony Beale, a supporter of legalizing video gambling terminals, criticized Bally’s decision to hire Lightfoot.
“It was a quid pro quo to try to reward someone who gave them a contract they shouldn’t have had,” Beale said, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
The casino project remains politically divisive
Bally Casino has stirred debate since Lightfoot chose the Rhode Island-based company in 2022 over four competing proposals.
The project won City Council approval after Bally’s agreed to make an upfront payment of $40 million to help support police and fire pension funds.
At the time, some board members questioned the selection processciting Bally’s lack of experience in building a casino from scratch and expressing concerns about traffic congestion around the permanent River West development and the temporary Medinah Temple casino.
Recently, Lightfoot attended a closing ceremony for the permanent casino and described the project as one of her administration’s major accomplishments.
