Approval has just been granted to Churchill Downs to alter the location of its Terre Haute casino project. Construction on the Queen of Terre Haute casino could potentially commence as soon as May.

The company anticipates the project will last 14 months, potentially setting the casino’s opening date for late 2025.

Churchill changes casino plans

Recently, the relocation of the casino in Terre Haute was approved by local officials. Both the Vigo County Area Planning Commission and the Terre Haute City Council had to give their unanimous consent.

The Indiana Gaming Commission was next in line. As the entity responsible for regulating casinos in Indiana, their approval was essential for progress.

The commission ultimately approved things during its March 8 meeting.

The move of Terre Haute’s queen is nearly finished, but there are still a few obstacles to overcome.

The casino location at Churchill Downs still requires FAA approval due to its proximity to an airport. Previously, the site was agricultural land until city officials rezoned it just last week.

The designs for the new casino are also marginally too big.

The hotel that Churchill is constructing as part of the casino in Terre Haute exceeds the city’s height limit of 125 feet, reaching up to 150 feet. Therefore, the company must obtain a height variance from the city prior to the commencement of construction.

Churchill anticipates that obtaining the final approvals won’t be a major hassle. If that assumption holds true, the company aims to commence the project around the end of May.

Plans for new casino in Terre Haute

If everything goes as planned, the Queen of Terre Haute casino is set to open in late 2025.

Relocating the project to the east side of the city provides Churchill with more future options.

To begin with, the new casino location is more convenient for visitors. Its close proximity to Interstate 70 and State Road 46 provides gamblers with easier access to the property.

The casino project aims to draw visitors from across the state, making its convenient location a crucial aspect.

The new location is precisely 50 acres, which is more than twice the size of the original 21-acre plot of land.

This would provide Churchill with numerous chances to expand the casino in the future. By undertaking expansion projects, they can maintain the property’s appeal by introducing new elements for gamblers down the line.

Once the project is finally completed, the Queen of Terre Haute is expected to significantly impact Vigo County’s economy.