Bally’s Kansas City, located in the heart of Missouri, recently emerged from a remarkable transformation worth $40 million. This transformation has been 2 years in the making, fueled largely by a vision to redefine the essence of entertainment and gambling. Bally’s Kansans City, a brand name synonymous with luxury, is a testament to the casino’s commitment to keep delivering exceptional experiences to its guests.
Boasting a sprawling 36,000 square feet, this iconic casino and entertainment destination has been designed to entertain guests with a range of new gambling opportunities and top-notch amenities.
Out with the old and in with the new
Bally’s Corporation rebranded its Casino KC as the groundbreaking for the redevelopment project drew closer. Before this name change, the casino used to be known as Isle of Capri. Twin River Holdings, which has since rebranded as Bally’s closed on the purchase of the Isle of Capri casino in 2020 from Eldorado Resorts, after its merger with Ceasars Entertainment had been finalized.
Before the expansion kicked off 2 years ago, the casino offered close to 900 slot machines, as well as 24 table games. However, the dining and non-gambling entertainment options were limited compared to what is now on offer for guests. Bally’s Kansas City now has additions such as Chickie’s & Pete’s Crabhouse and Sports Bar. There will also be an exclusive Celebrity Casino & Lounge, which will be the star attraction for entertainment lovers.
The Celebrity Casino itself will have more than 30 slot machines as well as 200 new casino games giving as much range as possible to customers. In addition to the Celebrity Casino, there is also a new high-limit slot. Bally’s believes that the addition of these new features will turn the Missouri casino into a vibrant hotspot in Kansas City.
According to Bally’s Regional Vice President, Michael Donovan, the new casino is set to revolutionize the region’s betting scene. Donovan could not help but express his excitement regarding the casino’s transformation. The VP also expressed his gratitude to the city, as well as the union members who all played an essential role in bringing the expansion to reality over the last 2 years.
In addition to the new amenities and dining options, the casino also underwent an extensive aesthetic renovation to both its exterior and interior. The renovations also included enhanced traffic circulation, as well as multiple entrances.
During the ceremony, Bally’s Kansas City also announced a donation of $2500 for the KC Pet Project, as well as the Veterans Community Project. Bally’s Corporation also owns and manages 15 casinos across 10 states, as well as a thriving horse racetrack in Colorado.
Bally’s announces a possible riverfront hotel
But the journey doesn’t end here. Bally’s Kansas City has grand plans for the coming months. The second phase of the development project will include a 7-story, 150-room hotel. The second phase of the renovation will also see the addition of a 3000-seat amphitheater. This is yet another move that could redefine the hospitality sector in the city.
The vision for this new hotel project took shape when the Overland-Park-based True North Group kickstarted a discussion that could forever change the hospitality landscape in Kansas City. The grand idea? A magnificent 123-room hotel strategically situated outside Bally’s Kansas City Casino.
The casino’s landlord, namely the Port Authority of Kansas City, confirmed not too long ago that Bally’s Corp was deeply interested in pursuing the ambitious endeavor. While the vision to bring a riverfront hotel to the city is indeed grand, turning it into reality will involve a few important steps.
For instance, Port commissioners must first authorize amendments to the casino’s lease terms with the city, as well as the local agency. These amendments are vital prerequisites and must be observed before any construction can commence. If this vision is actualized, it will no doubt elevate Bally’s Kansas City status.
Interestingly, Bally’s KC stands as the only property in the Missouri region that doesn’t come complete with a hospitality component. If this venture is approved as planned, it will bridge the gap and allow Bally’s to generate even more revenue. When compared to the other facilities in the region, Ameristar Casino Hotel, Argosy Casino Hotel, and Harrah’s Kansas City Hotel —possess 184, 258, and 392 hotel rooms, respectively.
Should the new hotel be approved, the transformation would align perfectly with the master plans for the former Isle of Capri. For years, the blueprints always included the addition of a new hotel, marking the second development phase following the casino’s impressive 35,596-square-foot retail and dining addition.
In Bally’s grand plans, a 7-story, 150-room hotel will be situated west of the casino. The City Council approved the hotel project in 2021, envisioning it alongside a 3000-seat amphitheater. The hotel also includes an expansion of the parking garage. If everything goes according to plan, the renovation process could be completed in 5 years.
As Bally Corp prepares for this bold step into an exciting future, the new hotel will not only add to the allure of Kansas City’s riverfront but will also set the stage for captivating thousands of new visitors.
As the city continues to celebrate its successes in the sector, the gambling industry in the state continues to thrive. Since sports betting was legalized in Kansas, the Kansas State Lottery has reported that residents have wagered more than $1.6 billion on sports. As the Kansas City Chiefs gain more prominence, the number of people registering for sports betting or gambling-related activity has continued to spike making it the perfect time to invest heavily in gambling expansion projects.
Final Thoughts
The major changes that have been made to Bally’s Kansas City Casino have created a new atmosphere in the region, giving gamblers more variety than before. Based on recent news reports, the planned development will likely have a second phase that will include a new hotel.
