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Travelers passing through Chicago’s two airports could soon have a new way to pass the time and spend their money. City officials are exploring plans to install slot machines at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). The proposal surfaced during budget hearings for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion fiscal plan, where Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski confirmed that the city is actively pursuing the idea. The move would make Chicago’s airports only the third and fourth in the United States to feature slot machines, following Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO).
Facing a projected $1.15 billion budget shortfall, the Johnson administration has been looking for creative new revenue sources. An earlier proposal to impose a 10.25% city tax on sports bets placed within Chicago was rejected by state lawmakers. This prompted officials to revisit the long-discussed concept of airport gambling. Under 2019 state legislation, which approved Chicago’s first casino, slot machines were also authorized for placement inside the airports as long as they are located beyond Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.
With the city’s finances under strain, airport slot machines are once again being considered a potential revenue generator. Supporters of the proposal argue that Chicago’s airports offer a “captive audience” for gambling. The concept envisions exclusive gaming lounges open only to travelers aged 21 and older, complete with slot machines, food, and beverage services. Each lounge would be monitored by on-site employees to ensure compliance and security.
Casino giant Bally’s Corporation, which holds the concession rights for both airports and is currently building a $2 billion casino-resort complex in River West, has already surveyed potential slot machine sites at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). I’m excited for a casino nearby, but I live pretty close to this site and the traffic is going to be a nightmare.
Time Out reports that if approved, Bally’s would likely oversee operations, mirroring the successful model at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) where slots have generated more than $1 billion in revenue over the past 36 years under vendor Michael Gaughan. While the idea has clear financial appeal, critics question whether installing slot machines would meaningfully offset the city’s growing deficit or merely transform Chicago’s gateways into miniature casinos.
In August, senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee opposed the proposal, warning that the airports could risk becoming a “Las Vegas caricature” with the addition of gambling terminals. Others point out that airport gaming may not yield substantial profits after accounting for licensing, oversight, and infrastructure costs. Nevertheless, the city’s financial pressures and the rejection of other revenue plans have brought the issue back to the table.
Anthony’s Take: I’m not opposed to slot machines coming to the airports and think it’s a creative way to generate much needed revenue. The state already has several casinos (plus more just over the border in Indiana), so it’s not like this is anything new (except for them residing in airports).
(Image Credits: ChatGPT and HKS.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
