Terre Haute Casino License Decision Expected in November
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TERRE HAUTE - The Indiana Gaming Commission has announced when it plans to make a decision on which organization will receive the open gaming license for Vigo County. Four applicants have submitted proposals for a new casino in Terre Haute after the IGC denied a renewal of the license for its previous holder, Terre Haute-based Lucy Luck Gaming.
During the commission's meeting Wednesday, Executive Director Greg Small said the commission will name the winner of the license on November 17. Our partners at WTHI-TV report Small said the process should be very competitive.
The applicants are Louisville-based Churchill Downs Inc. (Nasdaq: CHDN), Full House Resorts Inc. (NASDAQ: FLL), Hard Rock International, and a joint venture involving Mississippi-based Premier Gaming Group.
Full House Resorts operates Rising Star Casino in Ohio County, while Hard Rock operates the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary. Of the four proposals, only the Hard Rock casino would not include a hotel as part of the project. All four proposals also include multiple dining and entertainment options.
Churchill Downs is proposing to build The Queen of Terre Haute resort, which would include more than 56,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,000 slot machines, 50 table games, and a sportsbook, as well as a 125-room hotel.
Full House Resorts is planning to invest $250 million to build American Place, which also feature 1,000 slot machines, more than 50 table games, a sportsbook, and a 100-room hotel. The project also includes a unique greenhouse that would be used for dining and entertainment space.
Premier Gaming Group's proposal includes a $100 million investment to build a gaming area with 800 slot machines and 20 table games, plus an 80-room hotel that also features meeting, spa, and fitness space.
Hard Rock International is proposing to build the Rocksino Terre Haute will feature 850 slot machines, 35 table games, a 300-seat entertainment venue, and a 1,000-square-foot retail shop.
Lucy Luck Gaming has filed an appeal of the IGC's denial of the license renewal, though it is not known when a decision on the appeal will be made.
