Casino News Ownership Dispute Puts New Hard Rock Casino In Difficult Position
There are talks that proposed Hard Rock Casino in Northern Indiana may sit empty once it is complete. The $300 million casinos are in line to be completed in the coming months. Once the construction is complete, opening nights would be postponed.
The Indiana Gaming Commission has asked the Majestic Star Casinos (the parent company of the casino) to keep its two Lake Michigan gaming boats operable until the middle of the year, instead of closing them down next month. This puts the supposed opening of the Hard Rock Casino on hold.
State regulators insist that they have to delay the casino’s opening and keep the two Lake Michigan gaming boats open. Its reason is that the gaming boats are generating tax revenues and keeping lots of people employed. It is an outcome that might be unwanted by the parent company, but it is one the gaming commission says will hold.
“The new inland casino in Gary is important to the state and local community. The commission is focused on seeing the project completed and operational,” said Sara Tait, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission.
“Unfortunately, the actions of parties associated with the parent company have created a high level of uncertainty regarding both suitability and project timeline. Until an acceptable path forward is identified, the commission will continue to act within its authority to protect gaming revenues and employees at the current operation in Gary.”
Moving forward
Despite the potential pause on proceedings, Hard Rock is still moving forward with its plans. The casino is continuing to carry out construction, recruitment, hiring, and training in anticipation of the new casino. On its website, Hard Rock states that the casino is still scheduled to open in 2021 spring.
“We are fully committed to opening the new casino, and we are in line to successfully complete the Hard Rock Northern Indiana project.” Jon Lucas, chief operating officer at Hard Rock International.
“We continue to work with the Indiana Gaming Commission and our partners at Spectacle Entertainment to bring resolution to the outstanding issues as identified in (December’s) Indiana Gaming Commission business meeting,” Lucas said.
The Hard Rock Casino will house 1650 slot machines, 80 table games, an entertainment center, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and a sportsbook. The casino is penned down to be the modern-day casino establishment, with state of the art features.
There are plans of adding a 300 rooms hotel in the coming years. Other features would be added to the casino as well, including a multi-level parking garage.
