Bally's Hires Lightfoot Law Firm in Chicago VGT Fight

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-30

Bally's has brought in former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's law firm as it gears up for a possible legal battle with the city. The dispute centers on Chicago's decision to allow video gambling terminals (VGTs) at locations near the planned Bally's Chicago casino. This move adds a new twist to an already heated fight over the city's first casino. The casino operator confirmed that RKF Global PLLC, where Lightfoot is a partner, has joined its legal team. Bally's argues that the city's VGT approval breaks the host agreement for the casino project, which was supposed to give Bally's exclusive rights to certain gambling operations within city limits. ### What's at Stake? At the heart of this is a simple question: Who gets to control gambling in Chicago? Bally's invested heavily in the casino project, expecting to be the only game in town for certain types of betting. But the city's move to allow VGTs in bars, restaurants, and other spots could eat into Bally's potential profits. Here's a quick breakdown of the key issues: - **Exclusivity**: Bally's host agreement likely promised them a monopoly on casino-style gambling. VGTs blur that line. - **Revenue**: VGTs are popular and generate steady income. Bally's fears they'll lose customers to these machines. - **Legal Precedent**: If the city wins, it could open the door to more gambling options, hurting Bally's bottom line. ### Who Is Lori Lightfoot? Lightfoot served as Chicago's mayor from 2019 to 2023. She's now a partner at RKF Global, a law firm that specializes in government relations and litigation. Her insider knowledge of city politics could be a big advantage for Bally's. She knows how Chicago works, and that might help the casino operator navigate this tricky situation. It's not every day you see a former mayor go up against her old city. But that's exactly what's happening here. Lightfoot's firm is now on the other side of the table, fighting the very policies that her successor, Mayor Brandon Johnson, is pushing. ### What Happens Next? Bally's hasn't filed a lawsuit yet, but the company is clearly preparing for one. The legal team is likely reviewing the host agreement line by line to find any violations. If they decide to sue, it could take months or even years to resolve. For now, both sides are probably hoping to avoid a courtroom fight. But with so much money on the line, a settlement might be tough to reach. Bally's has already sunk millions into the casino project, and they won't want to see that investment threatened. ### Why This Matters for Chicago This fight isn't just about Bally's. It's about the future of gambling in Chicago. If VGTs become widespread, they could change the city's gambling landscape. More machines mean more tax revenue for the city, but they also mean more competition for Bally's. Some experts worry that VGTs could lead to problem gambling, especially in neighborhoods that already struggle with addiction. Others see them as a way to bring in cash without raising taxes. Either way, the outcome of this dispute will shape Chicago's gambling industry for years to come. > "Bally's is fighting to protect its investment. But the city has to balance that with the needs of its residents," said one analyst who follows the industry closely. ### The Bottom Line Bally's has hired a heavy hitter in Lori Lightfoot's firm. That shows how serious they are about this fight. The next few months will be crucial as both sides decide whether to go to court or try to negotiate a deal. For anyone watching the Chicago casino saga, this is the moment to pay attention. The outcome could set a precedent for other cities that are considering similar projects. And for Bally's, it's a make-or-break moment that could determine whether their Chicago casino is a success or a disappointment.