Ald. Beale Moves to Force Video Gambling Licensing Process Despite Mayor's Hesitation

Beale sends letter to Illinois Gaming Board to start accepting video gambling license applications, despite Mayor Johnson's concerns about potential repeal.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Alderman Anthony Beale is taking matters into his own hands by sending a letter to the Illinois Gaming Board to officially notify them that the Chicago City Council has lifted the ban on video gambling. Beale is convinced that Mayor Brandon Johnson is stalling on the licensing process in order to pursue a repeal of the Council's decision. Beale's letter is co-signed by at least 15 other Council members and includes a certified copy of the revenue ordinance that counts on $6.8 million in video gambling revenue this year.

Why it matters

The video gambling issue has become a point of contention between the City Council and Mayor Johnson. Beale believes the mayor is delaying the licensing process in order to eventually repeal the Council's decision, which would cost the city an estimated $74 million in annual revenue and over 1,000 jobs related to the new Bally's casino. This dispute highlights the political tensions around gambling expansion in Chicago.

The details

Alderman Beale is sending a letter to the Illinois Gaming Board to officially notify them that the City Council has lifted the ban on video gambling in Chicago. The letter is co-signed by at least 15 other Council members and includes a certified copy of the revenue ordinance that counts on $6.8 million in video gambling revenue this year. Beale believes Mayor Johnson is stalling on the licensing process in order to eventually repeal the Council's decision, which would have significant financial implications for the city.

  • The $16.6 billion city budget approved in December 2025 lifted the ban on video gambling.
  • Beale is sending the letter to the Illinois Gaming Board on Wednesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Anthony Beale

Alderman representing Chicago's 9th Ward who is leading the effort to force the video gambling licensing process.

Brandon Johnson

Mayor of Chicago who has expressed concerns about video gambling expansion and is considering a repeal of the Council's decision.

Walter 'Red' Burnett

Newly appointed Alderman of the 27th Ward, which includes the $1.7 billion Bally's casino under construction, who supports repealing the video gambling portion of the city budget.

Illinois Gaming Board

The state regulatory body that oversees gambling operations and must approve licenses for video gambling terminals in Chicago.

Bally's

The company building a $1.7 billion casino in Chicago's River West neighborhood, which has warned that lifting the video gambling ban could cost the city $74 million in annual revenue and over 1,000 jobs.

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What they’re saying

“The mayor refuses to move forward with giving bars and restaurants lifelines. And he refuses to move forward with creating a new revenue stream without raising taxes, fines and fees on the backs of people.”

— Anthony Beale, Alderman, 9th Ward (suntimes.com)

“I know that there are several alders who have expressed concern and it's important that I listen to those concerns. I have expressed my concerns. A decision hasn't been made just yet [on whether to repeal]. However, it's imperative that we get this right — especially because there are so many other levels of government that are working to address how gambling generates revenue for municipalities as well as state government.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (suntimes.com)

What’s next

The Illinois Gaming Board will need to decide whether to accept video gambling license applications from Chicago based on the letter from Alderman Beale and the City Council. Mayor Johnson is still considering whether to pursue a repeal of the Council's decision to lift the video gambling ban.

The takeaway

This dispute over video gambling expansion in Chicago highlights the ongoing tensions between the City Council and Mayor Johnson's administration. The financial stakes are high, with the potential for significant revenue gains or losses depending on how the issue is resolved.