Hard Rock Casino Receives Further Support For Second Indiana Casino Bid

A growing number of Terre Haute local officials are backing the Hard Rock’s proposal to construct a casino in their town. Hard Rock is among four companies competing for a new casino license in Terre Haute, Indiana.

The Indiana Gaming Commission has already received letters of support from the Vigo County Council for Hard Rock. Now, the County Commissioners and the Capital Improvement Board are also stepping into the matter.

Taking everything into account, the license decision being less than a month away is fantastic news for Hard Rock.

Hard Rock secures construction site for casino

Hard Rock is officially leading its competitors in the race for Terre Haute’s casino license.

Recently, each of the four potential licensees unveiled their vision for an Indiana casino, including possible construction sites for each property.

Should Hard Rock secure the license, their “Rocksino” will be constructed at 2555 Joe Fox Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47803. This location is conveniently situated near the junction of I-70 and State Road 40.

During their meeting this week, the Vigo County Commissioners approved that location. In conjunction with this, the county’s Capital Improvement Board passed a resolution expressing their support for Hard Rock.

Currently, Hard Rock is the sole applicant for the license with a Land Development Agreement for its casino.

To paraphrase, should Hard Rock secure the license, they could commence construction in Terre Haute right away, without any governmental obstacles to overcome.

Should the license be acquired by another company, the whole process would need to begin anew. This includes gaining local officials’ support, obtaining construction approval, and initiating the entire procedure, all of which could be time-consuming.

Hard Rock gains an advantage for Indiana casino proposal

The licensing process could potentially benefit Hard Rock significantly due to a land development agreement.

The initial plan was to have Terre Haute's casino operational by this time.

Despite the delays caused by the pandemic, construction on the property has not yet begun. Furthermore, the gaming commission might be seeking a swift resolution.

The commission’s previous frustrations with Hard Rock are the reason for the current situation in Terre Haute. Hard Rock, along with its partner, Lucy Luck Gaming, had the rights to the casino until they were revoked by the gaming commission earlier this year.

Things have not been running smoothly, but the past is behind us. Given the increasing local backing and secured construction contracts, Hard Rock may be beginning to sway the tide in its favor.

Decision on Terre Haute Casino in November

The following four companies aim to establish their presence in the Terre Haute gambling scene:

• CDITH, LLC (Churchill Downs)
• Full House Resorts, Inc. (FHR-Atlas LLC)
• Hard Rock HR Terre Haute, LLC
• Premier Gaming Group and Terre Haute Entertainment Holdings LLC, collectively known as Terre Haute Entertainment, LLC.

Even though it’s unclear which company will ultimately secure the license, the matter will be resolved soon.

The decision of the Indiana Gaming Commission will be announced at its meeting on Nov. 17.

Terre Haute residents should find relief in this, as the process has experienced various ups and downs over the past year and a half.

The gaming commission also anticipates public opinions on Terre Haute’s casino prior to the decision. If you wish to express your views, there are several ways you can do so.

Primarily, if you wish to contribute, you can send an email to [email protected]

Should you desire a more conventional method, you have the option to post your written statement to the address below:

General Counsel, Indiana Gaming Commission<br>East Tower, Suite 1600<br>101 W. Washington St<br>Indianapolis, IN 46204-3408

Feel free to express your strong opinions about Terre Haute's casino project to the gaming commission. Keep in mind, if you’re a Hoosier, you have until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 to submit your statements.