Chicago Alderman Beale Accuses Mayor Johnson's Team of Secretly Trying to Repeal Video Gambling

Beale claims Johnson administration is working behind the scenes to undo the video gambling legalization passed in the city's 2026 budget.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Alderman Anthony Beale (9th), a key proponent of legalizing video gambling in Chicago, has accused Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration of secretly trying to repeal the measure that was included in the city's recently approved $16.6 billion 2026 budget. Beale claims the mayor has an obligation to execute the budget as passed by the City Council, not "pick and choose" which parts to enforce. However, a mayoral adviser says repealing video gambling is "one of the remedies" under discussion as the administration works to address challenges with the existing legislation.

Why it matters

The legalization of video gambling terminals was a contentious issue in Chicago, with concerns raised about public safety, gambling addiction, and the potential impact on revenues at the new Bally's casino. The mayor's apparent efforts to undo the measure could set up another political clash with the City Council, which narrowly approved the budget over Johnson's objections.

The details

The 2026 city budget assumed $6.8 million in revenue from licensing 80% of the 3,300 establishments with off-premise liquor licenses to operate video gambling terminals. However, Beale claims the Johnson administration has not taken the necessary steps to trigger the licensing process with the Illinois Gaming Board. Beale believes the administration is "secretly trying to repeal" the measure, while a mayoral adviser says repealing video gambling is "one of the remedies" under consideration to address issues with the existing legislation.

  • The $16.6 billion, 2026 budget was approved by the City Council in late 2025.
  • The city is expected to generate $6.8 million in revenue from video gambling terminals in 2026, based on the assumption that 80% of eligible establishments will apply for licenses.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago who is reportedly considering repealing the city's new video gambling law.

Anthony Beale

A Chicago alderman who is leading the charge to legalize video gambling in the city and has accused the Johnson administration of secretly trying to repeal the measure.

Walter "Red" Burnett

A newly appointed Chicago alderman who represents a ward that includes the $1.7 billion Bally's casino and entertainment complex, and supports repealing the video gambling law due to concerns about public safety, gambling addiction, and the potential impact on Bally's revenues.

Jason Lee

A senior mayoral adviser who has acknowledged that repealing video gambling is "one of the remedies" being discussed by the Johnson administration to address challenges with the existing legislation.

Jason Ervin

The chair of the Chicago City Council's Budget Committee, who has previously branded video gambling as a "net loser for the city."

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What they’re saying

“They're behind the scenes secretly trying to repeal this. Why? I don't know. The mayor has an obligation to execute the budget that we passed. That is his responsibility as mayor. Not to pick and choose what you want to enforce and what you don't want to enforce.”

— Anthony Beale, Chicago Alderman (Chicago Sun-Times)

“I don't think it's a political risk. I think it's something that it necessary.”

— Walter "Red" Burnett, Chicago Alderman (Chicago Sun-Times)

“There are a lot of different things that need to be considered in a sustainable [video gambling] plan from a fiscal standpoint, from a zoning standpoint, from a distribution standpoint, from an equity standpoint. None of those things were worked out in the existing ordinance. So all of those things need to be considered.”

— Jason Lee, Senior Mayoral Adviser (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The Chicago City Council is expected to vote on whether to repeal the video gambling measure, potentially as soon as this month or in March.

The takeaway

The debate over video gambling in Chicago highlights the ongoing tensions between the mayor and City Council, as well as the complex considerations around balancing revenue needs, public safety concerns, and the potential impact on the city's new casino development.