Hard Rock opens casino in Indiana

  • Joint venture between Hard Rock International and Spectacle Entertainment
  • Venue replaces two Majestic Star Casino boats
  • Over 1,600 slots and 80 table games
  • Sector celebrates new start

As the gambling industry exits the pandemic desperately seeking a swift return to business, there were celebrations as the new $300 million Hard Rock casino opened in Indiana in the US.

The official opening, celebrated with a guitar smashing rather than the mundane cutting of a red ribbon, was long-awaited and celebrated by locals in the Gary area taking to the casino floor on Friday.

Hard Rock’s new 200,000 square foot venue, which is in partnership with Spectacle Entertainment, replaces to previous Majestic Star casino boats at Gary’s Buffington Harbor.

The venue boasts more than 1,600 slots plus 80 gaming tables, offering the usual selection of blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat and more.

In total, more than 1,300 staff will be employed by the new casino, with 50% of those ported across from the former casino boats.

Regional economic boost

The Mayor of Gary, Jerome Prince, said the casino would bring am an economic benefit to the wider area, noting that in the construction phase, $32 million worth of work went to local companies.

He noted that one bright touch was linking the casino with worthy local groups.

Mr Prince explained: “They’ve ensured that each of the top executive members of their team joins a board of civic organization groups here and… we believe that that has provided them an opportunity to develop a fundamental understanding of the community at large.”

Like all other Hard Rock venues, musical memorabilia plays a big draw for the crowds. The new casino in Gary houses a guitar owned by Joe Jackson of the world-famous musical family that grew up in the town.

The guitar is also used for the main casino sign at the resort, featured in our Hard Rock-supplied image above. Further memorabilia from the Jackson family is featured within the property.

Casinos up and running

The news of the Hard Rock casino launch comes as casinos across the US begin removing COVID restrictions. Many of the big resorts in Las Vegas are already returning to 100% capacity, including Wynn Encore and the Cosmopolitan.

New Jersey casinos are following suit as the industry begins again.

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