Bally’s Chicago was busier in December than when the circus used to come to Medinah Temple.

       The fledgling Chicago casino drew nearly 100,000 visitors for the month, second only to Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, according to data published this week by the Illinois Gaming Board.

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       Gambling at the temporary Medinah Temple casino, which expanded to a 24/7 operation Dec. 27, also generated a new monthly high of more than $8.5 million in adjusted gross receipts, up nearly $900,000 over November. Bally’s Chicago had been limited to a 20-hour daily schedule since opening Sept. 9.