Operator News

US – Indiana allows Gary Casino onshore

The Indiana Gaming Commission has authorised the relocation of Gary’s Majestic Star Casinos to a land-based site. In an unprecedented move, Spectacle Entertainment has been permitted to move from its dockside property on Lake Michigan to an inland location.

Gaming Commissioner Joseph Svetanoff said: “This will truly create a destination location within Northwest Indiana, and specifically the city of Gary.”

As a condition of receiving state approval for the relocation, Spectacle will pay US$20 million through five annual instalments as a casino move fee. The company will also be held accountable for hiring locally by the council.The re-branded Hard Rock Casino entertainment complex will span 30 acres, including a 200-room hotel and over two thousand player spaces. There will be a sportsbook and a 2,000-seat music performance venue, alongside numerous restaurants and bars.

Spectacle Entertainment plans to begin construction on the $300m project later this year and to open in December 2020.