Chicago Eyes Slot Machines At O'Hare And Midway Airports To Boost Revenue
City leaders in Chicago are considering a proposal to introduce slot machines at O’Hare and Midway Airports.
Gambling operator Bally’s has already identified a potential site at Midway that it would like to develop, according to the city’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jill Jaworski.
The announcement came as the City Council opened hearings on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion budget.
Jaworski confirmed that discussions with Bally’s are underway to explore the concept, noting technical hurdles related to airport regulations but expressing optimism about progress.
Bally’s has specifically highlighted a Midway location, and talks continue to make the project a reality.
Revenue Potential And Legislative Background
The idea revives a long-standing proposal from Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward), who has advocated placing hundreds of video gambling machines beyond security checkpoints at both airports.
Villegas estimates the initiative could generate $30 to $40 million annually, providing much-needed funds to help offset Chicago’s budget deficit.
He emphasized that the Illinois legislature granted the authority to implement such measures several years ago in a casino bill and criticized past and current administrations for failing to act sooner.
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Supporters argue that the machines allow travelers to pass the time during flight delays, early arrivals, or long layovers, noting that passengers often arrive two to three hours before takeoff.
The slots, including poker games, would be restricted to adults aged 21 and older, appealing to visitors and promoting Bally’s upcoming land-based Chicago casino.
Villegas envisions elevated, lounge-style areas designed like airport clubs, offering food and drinks in a controlled, upscale environment, distinct from Las Vegas–style sprawl.
Debate Over Image And Implementation
Not everyone is on board.
Jason Lee, a senior adviser to the mayor, reiterated his concerns in August about transforming Chicago’s airports into “chintzy Las Vegas replicas.”
He cited Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, which features more than 1,300 slot machines in terminals, baggage claims, and rental car areas.
Lee questioned whether Chicago travelers, especially amid record passenger volumes at O’Hare, would welcome that level of gaming, suggesting it could diminish the city’s image as a sophisticated global hub.
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Villegas, however, dismissed those concerns, insisting that well-designed gaming lounges could enhance the traveler experience without compromising the city’s reputation.
His pending ordinance would authorize slot machines in dedicated post-security areas, allowing for small-scale casual play, typically $10 or $20, while flyers wait.
The budget hearings highlight Chicago's fiscal challenges, and the airport slots proposal has emerged as a creative, low-risk revenue solution.
While regulatory approvals and cultural debates still lie ahead, the city’s willingness to explore new gaming revenue streams in high-traffic hubs reflects a broader shift toward fiscal innovation amid tightening budgets.
