The clock is ticking for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is faced with a critical decision regarding the city’s fiscal future. After the Chicago City Council passed an alternative budget on Saturday, Johnson now has five days to decide if he will exercise his veto power over the proposal.

While Mayor Johnson has largely kept his opinions private, he has not been shy about labeling the new budget “morally bankrupt.” One of the most contentious elements of the budget is the proposed legalization of video gaming within Chicago—something Johnson staunchly opposes.

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For over a decade, video gaming terminals have flourished across Illinois, yet Chicago has held firm, keeping such gaming activities illegal within its borders. This could change if the council’s budget, passed by a majority of 30 alderpersons, becomes law. However, this remains a significant “if” given the mayor’s current stance.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato of the 38th Ward highlights the frustration of local businesses. “I border the suburbs. You could go to a pizza place in my ward, and right across the street, you could go to the same pizza place, and you could play video games. So, my businesses have been crying for it,” Sposato noted, emphasizing the competitive disadvantage faced by Chicago businesses due to the gaming ban.

Johnson’s own budget proposal takes a different approach, suggesting a more limited introduction of video gaming, confining it to Chicago Midway International Airport. As the days pass, all eyes are on Mayor Johnson to see how he will navigate this pivotal moment in Chicago’s fiscal planning.

Bally’s, whose temporary location at the Medinah Temple has been underperforming, also opposes legalization, which would further reduce their revenue.

Casino officials say it is a lose-lose proposition from both a jobs and income perspective. That is because, according to state law, the city gets around 22% of all revenue generated from casinos, but only around 5% of the money earned by VGTs.

“Bally’s staffs to demand. If we’re seeing fewer people come into the casino, we hire fewer people,” said Bally’s Governmental Relations Vice President Elizabeth Suever.

For now, it all hinges on the mayor’s signature. His office indicated that there might be an announcement made on Tuesday.

“I hope we hear soon. This is very important for the stability of our colleagues in the city, city workers. We want to make sure they know what’s happening as we go into the holiday season,” said 39th Ward Ald. Samantha Nugent.

Several alderpersons told ABC7 on Monday that they believe they have the 34 votes needed to override a mayoral veto if it comes. A meeting of the full city council was preemptively scheduled just in case.