Churchill Downs To Inaugurate New Indiana Casino Next Week

Article by : Erik Gibbs Mar 28, 2024

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The Terre Haute casino is set to open its doors in early April, and a grand celebration will span two dates. On April 5, the casino and three dining venues will make their debut, followed by the unveiling of the hotel and remaining amenities on May 15.

Mike Rich, Vice President and General Manager of the Terre Haute Casino Resort, confirmed the official opening will be preceded by a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring key figures from Churchill Downs, local leaders and construction personnel.

Guests can expect a thrilling array of gaming tables and slot machines on opening day, along with the launch of upscale dining experiences at the Four Cornered Steakhouse and the Rockwood Bar and Grill. Additionally, the nostalgic ambiance of the ’50s will be revived at the Soda Shoppe.

The hotel’s grand opening on May 15 will be accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display at 9 PM, unveiling a range of amenities, including the Queen’s Beans coffee shop, the hotel lobby bar, the VIP Lounge and the Crossroads Center Bar, featuring sports betting.

Amidst the excitement, Rich noted the overwhelming enthusiasm from both staff and prospective visitors, with thousands already signed up for the casino’s Player’s Club cards.

While the exact turnout for April 5 remains uncertain, anticipation is high for a bustling and memorable day.

The Indiana Gaming Commission board approved the Local Development Agreement (LDA) between the city and Churchill Downs, the owner of the Terre Haute Casino Resort.

Mayor Brandon Sakbun thanked Churchill Downs during the meeting, recognizing their efforts to strengthen community relations. He highlighted the casino’s significance in driving the city’s recent progress and continued development.

The journey towards establishing a casino in Vigo County has been lengthy, marked by significant legislative and business developments.

Since Indiana’s introduction of casino gambling in 1993, initially confined to riverboats, the regulatory framework has evolved. The lifting of the riverboat restriction by the Indiana General Assembly in 2015 opened the door to land-based gambling.

However, despite these advancements, Terre Haute remained the only metropolitan area in the state without a casino.

In 2018, Terre Haute entrepreneur Greg Gibson and experienced Indiana gaming executive Rod Ratcliff joined forces to establish Spectacle Entertainment, based in Indianapolis. With John Keeler as the company’s general counsel, their acquisition of the Majestic Star Casino in Gary marked a significant milestone.

Subsequently, in early 2019, Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Enrolled Act 1015 into law, spearheaded by then-State Senator Jon Ford of Terre Haute. This legislation facilitated the relocation of one Majestic Star gaming license from northwest Indiana to Vigo County, bringing the prospect of a casino in Terre Haute closer to reality.

In November 2019, Vigo County voters approved a casino referendum, paving the way for Spectacle’s collaboration with Hard Rock International for the Vigo County casino bid.

However, a federal probe into Ratcliff’s former company, Centaur Gaming, delayed proceedings due to allegations of improper campaign financing.

Following Ratcliff and Keeler’s departure from Spectacle, Greg Gibson established Lucy Luck Gaming to pursue the casino venture. Despite initially securing the license, Lucy Luck Gaming faced challenges as well, leading to its disqualification for license renewal in June 2021.

Subsequently, Churchill Downs Inc. was chosen by the Gaming Commission in November 2021, marking a significant turn in the casino’s tumultuous journey.