Terre Haute Casino is still on track to open in the first quarter of 2024, according to Mike Rich, the General Manager of the casino. While there may have been some setbacks early on, the project is progressing towards its scheduled opening date.
A fit in support of western Indianapolis
Upon its completion, the Terre Haute Casino will offer various hotel amenities, including a 122-room luxury hotel, multiple restaurants, and six bars. The gaming floor will span 56,000 square feet and feature 1,000 slot machines and video poker machines, 35 table games and a TwinSpires retail sportsbook. While the casino may be smaller compared to some other properties in the state, it is strategically located on I-70 between St. Louis and Indianapolis, making it accessible to interstate traffic and the local population of approximately 60,000 residents. Its size and location position it well for success without needing to directly compete with larger casinos like Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana and Horseshoe Hammond.
A voyage full of difficulties
Terre Haute Casino’s origins can be traced back to 2019 when Vigo County began considering casino gambling. After a three-year process, Churchill Downs was granted approval in March 2022 to proceed with construction on what was then known as the Queen of Terre Haute. Initially, construction was set to begin in May with an estimated timeline of 13 months, aiming for a late 2023 opening. However, there were delays due to site changes, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place in June instead. The new location’s proximity to Terre Haute’s local airport prompted a study by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), causing further construction delays. The study found that the proposed height of the building could potentially impact flight paths. As a result, Churchill Downs adjusted the planned height of the building from 150 feet to 141 feet and added aviation warning lights to the top. This pushed back the opening date to March 2024. Currently, the casino is awaiting approval from the Department of Homeland Security, which is a necessary requirement for steel construction. Despite the delays, the project is still on schedule.
Indiana is definitely the 14th status for Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is an established gaming company best known for its famous Kentucky racetrack that bears its name. It operates 13 racetracks in Kentucky, Florida, and New Hampshire, as well as 12 casinos in 11 other states. Terre Haute Casino is one of three ongoing projects for Churchill Downs. The other two projects are Derby City Gaming in Downtown Louisville, Kentucky, and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Emporia, Virginia. The construction of the casino has created approximately 1,000 jobs in the area, and an additional 500 part-time and full-time jobs will be available once it opens. Job opportunities can currently be found on the company’s website, which offers benefits such as a 401(k) plan with company match, insurance coverage, company-paid disability plans, paid vacation, and tuition reimbursement.
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