The Indiana Legislative Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development recently voted 8-1 to forward recommendations in support of moving the Majestic Star Casino in Gary to the Buffington Harbor corridor. However, several officials said if the legislature allows Majestic Star to move, one of Gary’s two gaming licenses also should be moved. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said, “If the state wants to move the licenses to land-based locations, I’m fine with that. I support that as it hopefully will help Gary pursue other economic development opportunities. I just want to make sure that one of the licenses comes to Hammond where it belongs and where revenue can be increased for the city, county and state.”
When the Indiana Legislature legalized casino gaming in 1994, Gary was granted licenses for two casino riverboats. Hammond Councilman David Woerpel said, “In 1994, part of the rationale was two licenses in Gary because it was the largest city in Lake County. Now we are, and we have a track record of success in gaming.”
The Hammond Common Council was scheduled to consider a resolution at its November 5 meeting asking the Indiana Gaming Commission to move one of Gary’s licenses if Majestic Star moves ashore.
McDermott noted, “With sportsbook gaming around the corner and all the competitive advantages we have in Hammond, it is a no-brainer to put another casino in Hammond. As a state we have a tremendous opportunity here.”
Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said if the legislature approves the move, its potential impact on East Chicago or Hammond would need to be discussed. You have to look at all the options that are available,” she said.
In August, Northwest Indiana’s five casinos took in a total of $77.69 million in revenue compared to $75.43 million in August 2017, according to Indiana Gaming Commission figures. Horseshoe in Hammond reported revenue of $32.27 million; Ameristar in East Chicago posted $19.72 million; Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City reported $13.32 million; Gary’s Majestic Star I, $7.43 million and Majestic Star II, $4.95 million.
Gary officials want to relocate the Majestic Star in order to develop a shipping and transportation facility in Buffington Harbor. Freeman-Wilson said the Buffington Harbor proposal presents the best use for that land, which would not include a casino. She noted an intermodal facility would create jobs and drive new revenue for the benefit of Gary and all of Northwest Indiana. State Rep. Robert Morris said an intermodal facility in Buffington Harbor could succeed due to the airport, rail lines, port availability and proximity to Chicago. “I really look at this as a future business opportunity for the City of Gary,” Morris said.
Former state Senator Earline Rogers, a lobbyist for Majestic Star, said decades ago, when the state first considered allowing casinos, legislators feared they would bring crime and social problems. “The casinos have been just the opposite of what they thought. I think that they deserve the opportunity to move,” Rogers said.
She added she believes there is a new view of casinos in Indiana, and as a result the legislature has been more willing to accommodate them. She said the state’s casinos have brought money into the cities, counties and state. “Gradually, the casinos have proven themselves,” Rogers said.
