Hammond Interested in Gary Gaming License

The facility will sit on the former Hammond FOP site.

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A legislative study committee has recommended relocating two licenses held by Majestic Star Casino & Hotel in Gary, and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott wants one. The Hammond City Council is considering a resolution to indicate the city’s desire to obtain another license.

McDermott says Hammond is the logical place for one of the Majestic Star licenses.  

“Month after month and year after year, Hammond’s Horseshoe Casino leads the way in gaming revenue and taxes generated for the State of Indiana. There isn’t any reason the city can’t continue to make even more money for the state by taking advantage of its border with Illinois,” said McDermott.

The Indiana Gaming Commission issued two licenses to Gary in 1994, two years later two "riverboat" casinos opened in Buffington Harbor, Majestic Star and Trump Casino. The law later allowed for ten "riverboat" casinos, including Horseshoe Casino in Hammond. Majestic Star later assumed ownership of the Trump Casino license following a transfer, which gives them both licenses, one of which can’t be shifted or sold without a law change in Indiana. Hammond is supporting the transfer of a single license from Buffington Harbor to a land-based spot. 

“If the State wants to move the licenses to land-based locations, I’m fine with that, I support that as it hopefully will help Gary pursue other economic development opportunities. I just want to make sure that one of the licenses comes to Hammond where it belongs and where revenue can be increased for the city, county, and state. With sports book gaming around the corner and all the competitive advantages we have in Hammond, it is a no-brainer to put another casino in Hammond. As a state we have a tremendous opportunity here” said Mayor McDermott. 

The council will consider a resolution stating its intentions at its next meeting Monday, November 5.