The Hard Rock takeover of the Gary casino comes after former Spectacle CEO Rod Ratcliff agreed to give up his ownership stake and state casino license, ending more than a decade as a heavyweight in Indiana’s gambling industry. Gaming Commission Chairman Michael McMains said he appreciated Hard Rock’s “heavy lifting” to address the ownership concerns. The financial terms of the deal were not released.

“We believe in the project and feel good about being in this community and in this jurisdiction,” Lucas said after the commission meeting.

Hard Rock Chief Operating Officer Jon Lucas said the company believed it was important to clear up the ownership troubles and alleviate the concerns of state regulators. The commission had previously forced two former top Spectacle executives to give up their ownership stakes after one was charged by federal prosecutors with making illegal campaign contributions with casino company money.įlorida-based Hard Rock has been operating the new $300 million casino in Gary since it opened in May. The Indiana Gaming Commission on Wednesday approved a deal under which Hard Rock will assume at least 85 percent ownership of the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary from Indianapolis-based Spectacle Entertainment. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Hard Rock International is taking over a northwestern Indiana casino from an ownership group whose top executives have faced criminal and financial misconduct allegations.

Hard rock casino gary