The new $300 million Hard Rock Northern Indiana Casino recently debuted with great fanfare in Gary. The grand opening, hosted by former Gary residents Marlon and Tito Jackson of the original Jackson Five, featured Hard Rock International’s traditional guitar-smashing event. Also on hand were music greats and former Gary natives Deniece Williams, Kym Mazelle and Crystal Taliefero; executives from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, Hard Rock International, owners Spectacle Entertainment and the Indiana Gaming Commission; other musicians; and local political leaders.
“Get ready for the good times, Gary,” said Marlon Jackson.
The Jackson brothers said they’re proud of being Gary natives and are happy about the investment in the city by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Hard Rock International’s parent company.
“We’re ready to moonwalk back to success,” said Tito Jackson.
Dozens of pieces of memorabilia from the Jacksons are prominently displayed featured throughout the facility, including the brothers’ stage outfits and Michael’s famous white sequined glove.
State Senator Eddie Melton noted, “Gary had some difficult days in the past. But with God there’s nothing we can’t accomplish and with a unified vision, there’s nothing and no one that can stand in our way.”
The new 200,000 square foot entertainment complex offers 1,600 slot games, 80 gaming tables, restaurants, a theater and live performance venue.
Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. said, “The opportunity to come back and revitalize the area and then to partner with the Jackson family, is a plus.” He pointed out the new casino created 700 jobs, with more construction and full-time jobs expected as the second phase of development gets underway. He added, “It’s not just what’s inside the casino that’s important to us. It’s what’s outside, the community, too.” On that note, Hard Rock International Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas said, “We will continue to cultivate this facility to help to build local partnerships.”
Meanwhile, Marion County Judge John Chavis recently heard oral arguments about whether to halt an Indiana Gaming Commission rule requiring shareholders of Spectacle Entertainment to be more transparent about their finances and business connections.
The new rules, which took effect March 24, are being challenged by Spectacle shareholders, including several prominent Indiana Republican donors and lobbyists, who claim they should not be required to provide the IGC detailed financial and background information since they are not involved in day-to-day operations at the new Gary casino.
They also object to the requirement that they sell their shares back to Spectacle Entertainment if they remain unwilling to provide the information, or if the commission finds them unsuitable after investigating the information submitted. The shareholders allege they’re being forced to sell their shares at “fire sale” prices just as the value of the company is poised to increase dramatically following the recent opening of the Hard Rock Northern Indiana Casino.
The IGC argued it is obligated under Indiana law to protect the credibility and integrity of gambling operations within state. Commissioners said the need for detailed information about Spectacle investors is especially urgent since many are connected to former Spectacle Chief Executive Officer Rod Ratcliff, who exited Indiana’s gaming industry in March after an IGC investigation showed his involvement in a federal campaign finance scandal and revealed unauthorized transfers of his Spectacle shares.
Chavis said he’ll announce his decision on June 4 whether or not to halt the IGC’s new integrity rules. He also suggested the IGC extend the deadline to June 21 for Spectacle investors to submit the required information.
