Nearly two years ago, the City of Chicago celebrated a historic moment with the announcement of Bally’s Casino winning the bid to construct the city’s inaugural casino. This victory marks a milestone for the city’s entertainment landscape and opens doors to new opportunities for job seekers and labor unions.
The news of Bally’s Casino winning the bid has created a wave of positivity, particularly for those in search of employment. One such individual is Cherry Ferrell, a Westside resident and Austin Community High School alum. Ferrell stumbled upon an unexpected career opportunity at Bally’s during a job fair at UIC in May 2023. Despite lacking experience in the casino industry, she seized the chance to apply for a position at the temporary Bally’s casino.
Westside Roots and Family Ties
With close to three decades of residence on the Westside and a family raised in the same neighborhood, Ferrell’s roots in the community run deep. Last August, she embraced a new chapter as a cage cashier at Bally’s, responsible for tasks such as cashing in chips for patrons and managing the Cash Club for cashback transactions. Notably, her son, Elijah, also found employment at Bally’s in the wardrobe department, creating a unique family connection within the casino’s workforce.
During the casino’s soft opening in September, which saw the hiring of nearly 600 employees, Ferrell proudly donned the Bally’s uniform prepared by her son. Reflecting on her experience, Ferrell highlighted the close-knit environment at Bally’s, reminiscent of the strong sense of community she cherishes in Austin.
“It’s a close-knit environment. We look out and help each other,” Ferrell emphasized, describing the camaraderie among Bally’s employees.
Beyond her work at the casino, Ferrell enjoys leisure time at one of her favorite soul food restaurants, MacArthur’s Restaurant, a beloved stable in the Austin community.
A New Beginning
Cherry Ferrell’s journey from a Westside resident to a valued employee at Bally’s Casino exemplifies the positive impact of the casino on the local community. As the casino establishes itself as a landmark in Chicago, stories like Ferrell’s underscore the opportunities and connections it brings to individuals and neighborhoods, fostering community and collaboration. Bally’s transforms the city’s entertainment scene and becomes a catalyst for personal and professional growth, symbolizing a new chapter for residents like Cherry Ferrell.
“If I had to sum up my experience as a team member—amazing,” smiles Ferrell.
