Pinball, Gyms, and now a Casino? Bally’s Chicago History

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tapped Bally’s to be the first and only casino operator in Chicago. The decision still needs full City Council approval. The Bally brand actually started here in Chicago 90 years ago as part of a company called Lion Manufacturing, and they created an early pinball game called Ballyhoo. The company expanded to slot machines, arcade games, and eventually even amusement parks and gyms (remember Bally’s Total Fitness?) Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Tommy Henry from the Chicago History Podcast about Bally’s start here, and its significant role in gaming. 

There's a community town hall at 7 p.m. Thursday at the UIC Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum. It will also be livestreamed,

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