Taking a Break, Chicago Casino Construction Pauses
Development of Chicago Casino Suspended Due to Allegations of Mob Ties
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has ordered a halt to Bally's Corporation's construction of Chicago's first casino, raising worries about potential organized crime links with a waste hauler, D&P Construction Co. This company had been embroiled in controversy back in 2001 when its ties to organized crime led to a lost gaming license for a casino project in Rosemont, with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines ultimately receiving the license instead.
Rumors circulated that D&P often secured contracts through intimidation or illegal payoffs, allegations backed by the FBI, who claimed the waste-hauling firm was under the control of the Chicago mob's leaders, Peter and John DiFronzo (who are now deceased).
The IGB now plans to investigate the use of undisclosed and unapproved vendors at the casino site, as all contractors and vendors must be disclosed and approved by the IGB. It remains unclear if D&P still harbors ties to organized crime, a concern that could result in potential violations.
Gaming companies risk losing their licenses if they do business with individuals of "notorious or unsavory reputation" or those with extensive police records. Rivers Casino previously faced consequences for this, paying a $1.65m fine in April 2016 after an investigation uncovered the use of a mob-run company for security and janitorial services.
The Bally's project has been stuck in development limbo for various reasons, including debris falling into the river, financing troubles, a total redesign due to issues with underlying pipes, and now the latest issue involving D&P Construction. Bally's is working on a new plan to vet and approve subcontractors before resuming construction.
- The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is investigating the use of undisclosed and unapproved vendors at Bally's Corporation's Chicago casino, where D&P Construction Co., a company with past ties to organized crime, had been involved.
- In the past, D&P Construction was embroiled in controversy for its connections to organized crime, which led to a lost gaming license for a casino project in Rosemont.
- Bally's is now working on a new plan to vet and approve subcontractors before resuming construction of the casino, as gaming companies risk losing their licenses if they do business with individuals of "notorious or unsavory reputation" or those with extensive police records.
- Rivers Casino, another gambling establishment, previously faced consequences for using a mob-run company for security and janitorial services, paying a $1.65m fine in April 2016 after an investigation.
- The latest issue involving D&P Construction is among several obstacles that have caused delays in the Bally's project, including debris falling into the river, financing troubles, a total redesign due to issues with underlying pipes, and general news of crime and justice circulating around the casino's construction.
