Only a few days remain for the Horseshoe Southern Indiana as the Caesars new land-based property is about to open. Caesars Interactive has been working on a $90 million project, the Caesars Southern Indiana casino, for quite some time and the opening date is just around the corner. Before the new land-based venue can open, the riverboat must shutdown. The Horseshoe will end its long-running operations on December 9th.
Bon Voyage
Over the weekend, the Horseshoe played host to a Bon Voyage party as the venue prepares to close. Since 1998, the riverboat has provided a prime spot for entertainment and many locals are sad to see it go. The party showcased the history of the riverboat casino and how it helps to bring casino gaming to the southern portion of Indiana back in the 1990s.
In the beginning, there was hesitation regarding bringing casino gaming to the region. However, the boat did well, bringing jobs as well as travelers to the region, helping to boost the local economy. Known as The Glory of Rome, the riverboat is the largest in the US and the largest gambling riverboat in the world.
After operating for 21 years, the time of the riverboat casino has come to an end. In 2015, lawmakers of the state decided to allow boat casinos to move to dry land and now it is finally time for the Caesars property to make the move.
Horseshoe Southern Indiana Vice President and General Manager Brad Seigel commented on the change, stating the boat is for sale and they expect it to be sold but when is uncertain.
New Venue
Caesars has been working hard on the new land-based property, creating a space that offers a Las Vegas experience. Visitors will be able to walk directly into the casino once visiting, instead of having to travel across a parking lot to get to the riverboat. While the experience will be different, players are looking forward to the larger space and more amenities.
According to the developer, the property is sleek and attractive, offering the ability to play casino games as well as enjoy dining and entertainment. The property will include a casino floor and sportsbook, with plenty of options for visitors.
A VIP Lounge is located on site as well as the Piazza that will offer five restaurants for dining. While the old riverboat is a nostalgic experience, the newer venue is sure to bring in more foot traffic and will be appealing to travelers from out of state.
The Caesars Southern Indiana venue will open on December 12th, just days after the Horseshoe closes its doors. We shall see in the coming weeks how receptive the locals as well as tourists are to the new venue. It will take a few months before we can see the financial impact the facility has on the local gambling economy. Once reports surface, we will provide insight on these details.
