Chicago Casino Project Halted Over Mob Ties, Finance

The Illinois Gaming Board has halted construction on Bally’s $1.7 billion Chicago casino after discovering that D&P Construction, a waste-hauling firm with alleged historic mob ties, was working onsite without proper disclosure or approval. D&P's previous involvement in casino projects had led to rejected licenses due to its reputed connections to Chicago organized crime figures. The halt has prompted the board to investigate other potential undisclosed vendors and possible integrity breaches. Bally’s confirmed its cooperation and said it would strengthen its vetting process, but now also faces financial challenges and must rework its investment strategy under regulatory pressure. No timeline has been given for the project's resumption, and the delay increases uncertainty for a development city officials hoped would help shore up Chicago's pension funds. The project has faced a series of regulatory, financial, and logistical setbacks since its inception.