Terre Haute casino gets opening date
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After nearly two years of construction, officials have set an opening date for the Terre Haute Casino Resort. An opening celebration for the $290 million casino and hotel will take place April 5, the casino announced Monday on social media.
Managed by Kentucky-based Churchill Downs Inc., the casino at 4500 E. Margaret Dr. on the city’s east side totals 400,000 square feet with 56,000 square feet of gaming space that includes 1,000 slots and 50 table games, as well as a 125-room hotel.
Our partners at WTWO-TV report the game floor and some restaurants will open on April 5, though the hotel won’t open until May 15.
“Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley have waited a long time for this vision to become a reality,” casino Vice President and General Manager Mike Rich, said in a news release. “The launch of Terre Haute Casino Resort extends beyond physical structure; it’s about creating a vibrant and integral part of this community, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this exciting chapter to life.”
Officials say the project is expected to create 500 jobs and generate $190 million in annual economic impact. Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer told Inside INdiana Business in August the project has also created 150-200 construction jobs.
The opening celebration will include a ribbon cutting and live entertainment, with the first 1,000 customers receiving a special commemorative t-shirt.
The grand opening will come nearly five years after legislation was signed by the Gov. Eric Holcomb to move one of two Majestic Star casino licenses from Gary to Vigo County.
The license was originally awarded to Spectacle Jack LLC, which later rebranded to Lucy Luck Gaming. However, the Indiana Gaming Commission opted to not renew the license, citing the company’s inability to secure full funding and hire an executive team.
Churchill Downs was awarded the license in November 2021 and ground was broken the following June.