The Majestic Star casinos have cleared the last regulatory obstacle for their relocation and rebranding. The Indiana Gaming Commission has approved their transformation into the Hard Rock Casino.

Later this year, construction is set to commence on a new 225,000 square-foot facility in Gary, Indiana. The plans for this development incorporate the renowned Hard Rock Café, along with other features.

• Hotel
• Sportsbook
• Bars and restaurants
• Live music venue
• The state maximum of 2,764 gaming positions.

The approval of Hard Rock Casino increases the stakes for the region.

Other Indiana casinos are less receptive to the relocation of the Majestic Star and its rebranding as Hard Rock, even though it appears to be great news for Gary.

Spectacle Entertainment, the operator of present and upcoming facilities, anticipates that the casino, entertainment venues, and restaurants will be operational by New Year’s Day 2021. Although the hotel is predicted to open two to three years afterward, Hard Rock is poised to emerge as fresh competition in an already saturated market.

Ameristar is located in East Chicago, a short distance of nine miles from Gary. Meanwhile, the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City is only 28 miles away from Gary. Additionally, there are casinos on the other side of the Illinois border.

While Hard Rock is under construction, competition may be intensifying from the other side of the state line.

Potential yet uncertain competition in Chicago

Questions surrounding the viability of a mega-casino in Chicago are primarily due to the hefty taxes it would incur.

Should the Illinois Legislature address that matter, it would be a prime opportunity for investors in Chicago. Currently, the situation remains uncertain, yet the potential threat continues to loom.

Considering this, Spectacle is under considerable pressure to quickly launch Hard Rock. The opportunity to operate without competition from a mega-casino, which Chicagoans could easily visit by taking “the L”, may be brief.

Another reason why time is crucial for Spectacle is because it is connected to Hard Rock’s sportsbook.

The odds are in favor of Hard Rock.

On Sunday, sports betting was launched in Indiana, with a number of sportsbooks set to roll out in the forthcoming weeks. Although sports betting has been legalized in Illinois under the gambling expansion law, there is yet to be a confirmed date for its actual launch.

While it’s probable that this will occur before the Hard Rock in Gary opens, Indiana sportsbooks hold one advantage over those in Illinois.

Wagering on college football and basketball games involving Northwestern or the University of Illinois remains prohibited in Illinois. However, Indiana bookmakers are allowed to take bets on college games.

Even if a future Chicago casino presents competition, the Hard Rock must promote its college betting options when it opens to attract customers. Capitalizing on the public’s strong brand recognition of Hard Rock could help it succeed in a saturated market.

It’s certain that the Hard Rock is set to establish itself in Gary, Indiana, with the Indiana Gaming Commission’s approval eliminating any uncertainties. The focus now shifts to the potential impact it will have on Chicago and the northwest Indiana region.