Bally’s Las Vegas Casino Set to Cost $1.19 Billion
Bally’s Sets $1.19 Billion Budget for Planned Las Vegas Resort
Bally’s Corp has put an estimated $1.19 billion cost on its proposed Las Vegas resort development, according to a planning filing submitted to Clark County on December 29.
The filing details a multi year, phased construction strategy for a mixed use resort complex planned next to the Athletics’ future Las Vegas ballpark. Bally’s expects the full development to be completed by December 2030, with construction broken into a series of stages supported by 13 individual permit applications.
The proposed project includes a hotel and casino, retail and dining venues, a 2,500 seat entertainment theater, and large scale parking and infrastructure facilities designed to serve both the resort and the adjacent stadium.
Permit Filings Outline Staggered Build Schedule
Initial permits were submitted in December 2025, covering shared infrastructure elements. Those filings include a $175 million central utility plant and a $150 million southeast parking garage and access ramp, both intended to support early site operations.
Construction activity is scheduled to increase in 2027, when Bally’s plans to begin work on the northwest podium, followed by southwest podium foundations and the base of the hotel tower. Permits for that phase are expected to receive approval between August 2027 and February 2028.
The most expensive phase begins in 2028, centered on the hotel tower superstructure. At $550 million, that component represents the largest single permit value listed in the filing. Additional podium construction is planned to extend into early 2029, completing the current permit roadmap.
Development Mirrors Four Phase Resort Strategy
The construction timeline corresponds with Bally’s previously announced four phase development plan for the Las Vegas site.
The first phase focuses on shared infrastructure, including utilities, parking, access routes, and early retail elements, timed to align with the opening of the Athletics’ ballpark.
Phase two delivers the core resort offering. That stage includes a 1,800 room hotel tower, casino floor, sportsbook, and a connected entertainment district designed to integrate with the stadium plaza.
Phase three centers on the construction of the 2,500 seat theater, located on the southwest portion of the property.
The final phase adds a second 1,200 room hotel tower on the northeast side of the site. That area is expected to function initially as a staging and logistics zone for ballpark construction.
At full build out, Bally’s plans call for approximately 1.7 million square feet of hotel space, 100,000 square feet of casino floor, 476,000 square feet of retail and entertainment areas, and more than 800,000 square feet of parking capacity.
Analysts Question Funding Capacity
The revised cost estimate arrives as analysts continue to question Bally’s ability to fund several large scale projects at the same time.
In December, Citizens Bank analyst Jordan Bender raised concerns about Bally’s long term commitment to the Las Vegas development, pointing to the company’s expanding list of capital intensive priorities. Those include its pursuit of a New York City casino license and the ongoing Chicago project, along with broader balance sheet pressures.
That same month, Bally’s announced $1.1 billion in financing, a disclosure that focused on its New York City plans but did not reference the Las Vegas resort.
Some analysts have suggested Bally’s may need to pursue asset sales or bring in a development partner to move the Nevada project forward at its current scale. Others, including Truist Securities gaming analyst Barry Jonas, have said the company retains flexibility in how the project is ultimately delivered.
Chicago Casino Development Moves Forward
Away from Nevada, Bally’s executives have reiterated their intention to complete the company’s $1.7 billion Chicago casino and entertainment complex by the end of the year.
At a recent Chicago City Council hearing, Bally’s Chief Development Officer Chris Jewett said the River West project remains on track for substantial completion, despite earlier delays and ongoing discussions related to the company’s temporary casino license.
Jewett told council members that off site infrastructure work, particularly the Chicago Avenue bridge replacement, will play a key role in determining when the permanent casino opens. City transportation officials indicated the bridge project remains scheduled for completion in December.
Temporary Casino Extension Under Review
At the same time, Illinois state representative Kam Buckner has introduced legislation that would allow Bally’s to continue operating its temporary casino at Medinah Temple through 2027. Under current law, the temporary facility is permitted to operate until September 2026.
Bally’s executives said they do not expect to rely on the full extension if construction remains on schedule, but acknowledged that the measure provides regulatory flexibility should delays occur.
City officials also questioned the performance of the temporary casino. In 2025, Chicago collected $15.8 million in tax revenue from the site, down from $16.1 million in 2024, and well below original projections.
Bally’s attributed the shortfall to parking and accessibility constraints at the temporary location, arguing that the permanent casino’s broader amenities, including a hotel, theater, riverwalk access, and expanded dining options, will better support long term revenue goals.
