CHICAGO — The Bally’s temporary casino in River North begins an important stretch of tests as it prepares to possibly open to the public this weekend.

The media got a first look inside the reimagined Medina Temple on Tuesday, but cameras were not allowed in. The sprawling $1.7 billion permanent casino will hug the Chicago River near Halsted and Grand.

The first floor has a large bar and about 420 gaming and slot machines. The second and third floors have a mix of table games and machines, as well as two restaurants.

In all, there are more than 750 machines and 28 table games. The true capacity inside is about 3,500 people at any given time.

According to Bally’s, the temporary casino has received 16,000 job applications. From that, they hired 700 people for the Wabash and Ontario location — from security to maintenance staff, food service, and dealers.

The tour day occurred before a big test, which happens Wednesday and Thursday when they will invite friends and family to the casino to do a dry run.

Passion has been high on all sides for temporary casino.

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) was one of the outspoken critics of the plan pushed by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The temporary casino in River North has caused concern for security and congestion in the area.

“(We’re) making sure that they’re testing every aspect of our operation,” said Ameet Patel, Bally’s senior vice president of regional operations. “Not just the casino, not just the slot machines, not just the games, food and beverage operations, the bar. Every aspect of this operation will be tested.”

But some residents remain unsold.

“I don’t like any of it,” said Donna Cunning of River North. “I’ve lived in Chicago since I was 21. I’m 64 and I’ve never seen the crime be so bad and this will bring more of that.”

Others are looking at the positives, which include the city’s estimate of $50 million in extra tax revenue a year. Chicagoan Don Pasulka said he hopes the money goes to the city’s pressing needs.

“I think it’s a very good development,” Pasulka said.

If the state signs off during the dry run, the casino could open its doors to the public by Saturday.