Sioux City casino filed for expansion

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is seeking approval to expand its main floor to include high-stakes gambling.

US.- The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is reportedly planning a US$5 million, nearly 8,000-square-foot addition to its downtown casino. Along with a high-stakes gambling area, the expansion would also feature a wine bar and a private lounge. This gambling area will include 50 new slot machines and two blackjack tables.

According to casino general manager Todd Moyer, ever since the casino opened in August 2014, visitors have requested more gambling and drinking options. Plans for the expansion have been in the works for the past six months, Moyer added. It is expected that all the necessary approvals will be granted in time for construction to start this summer. The construction works will take six months.

The Sioux City Council is scheduled to discuss the expansion at a meeting today (Monday) and the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval. The expansion is also on the agenda of Thursday’s meeting of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the state’s gambling regulator.