Indiana delays new casino
Amid an investigation over illegal campaign contributions from the gaming segment, Indiana has delayed awarding a casino licence to Spectacle Gaming.
US.- An illegal campaign contribution investigation may delay the expansion of the segment in Indiana. Spectacle Gaming had asked for a licence to open a gaming venue, but it won’t happen just yet.
The Indiana Gaming Commission explained it delayed the meeting to allow a casino due to its investigation. It involves Centaur Gaming, a company that may have been involved in illegal campaign contributions.
But what does it have to do with Spectacle?
Some of the company’s leaders are former Centaur executives. Specifically, John Keeler and Rod Rattcliff. Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb had even faced a state ethics review last year for dealing with Ratcliff.
Hard Rock breaks ground in its Indiana casino
Hard Rock International announced that the official groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana took place on January 9. It included state and local officials, Spectacle Entertainment and Hard Rock executives.
The 200k square foot entertainment facility is a joint venture between the companies and will feature six food venues, a sportsbook, a retail shop, a showroom and more than 2130 gaming positions. Phase two will include a 200-room hotel and a multi-level parking garage.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is forecasting more than US$20 million annually in tax revenue and payments to the City of Gary and surrounding communities. Approximately 1,000 construction jobs, with an emphasis to hire union labour, and an estimated additional 500 jobs are expected. With a location adjacent to the 80/94 Burr Street interchange and approximately 193,000 cars passing daily, the expectation is to become the leading entertainment destination for the entire Northern Indiana region.
