Binion
Expanding to Meet Competition
HAMMOND, IA
– The operators of a Lake Michigan riverboat casino are planting
their hopes squarely on the ground in the form of nearly $70 million
worth of new construction and renovations.
Illinois-based
gambling company Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corporation hopes a new
parking garage with room for 2,000 cars, an improved pavilion and
24-hour gambling will give its Horseshoe
Casino Hammond an edge against a potential land-based casino
in nearby Chicago.
Such a casino
would be a clear rival for northwest Indiana's casinos, most of
which draw their business from Chicago's gambling market, among
the largest in the
United States.
The 850,000-square-foot
garage, which will feature an ornamented facade, will serve as the
new entrance to the casino. It is expected to open in February 2004.
The casino is
also in the midst of an $18 million renovation of the pavilion's
second floor, including a connecting walkway to then new garage,
a new sandwich shop and a new counter where guests can cash in their
chips. Those projects should be complete later in the summer, said
general manager Rick Mazer. |