The Indiana Gaming Commission recently unanimously approved transferring the Gary-based Majestic Star Casino’s two licenses to Spectacle Entertainment LLC. The commission only has the authority to approve transferring the licenses, not moving them, but Spectacle owners, Terre Haute businessman Greg Gibson and former Centaur Gaming Chief Executive Officer Rod Ratcliff, said they hope to relocate the Majestic Star casinos from Lake Michigan—one to a land-based site in Gary and the other possibly to Terre Haute.
Ratcliff told commissioners, “We look at this project and we know it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s an exciting opportunity for Spectacle Gaming and the state of Indiana. We think it’s a win-win situation. This would a game changer for Terre Haute in a lot of ways. The void in the market in that area is big for us. And Greg’s Gibson’s big thing is jobs.”
Dayna Bennett, chief of staff to Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, added, “We’ve enjoyed our relationship with Majestic for many years. And while it’s the end of an era, we are looking forward to the new ownership from Spectacle.”
Commissioner Joseph Svetanoff stated, “I’m elated that this proposed casino project will be Northwest Indiana’s first fully land-based casino, which I’ve been clamoring for years now. I’m also excited about this proposed casino project and the opportunities it creates for the city of Gary, for all of Northwest Indiana and even the city of Terre Haute.”
Relocating the Majestic Star’s licenses will require a change in state law. The Indiana Senate recently passed two bills allowing the casinos to move; they also received first readings in the House Public Policy Committee.
When asked what would happen if the licenses were not approved to relocate, Spectacle Attorney Peter Rusthoven commented, “The short and simple answer is we’ll have to do the best with what’s there, put money into it, refurbish it and see if we can’t make a go of it. But the commitment is to these boats, regardless of what happens in the legislature.”
