Hard Rock International is taking over a north-west Indiana casino from an ownership group whose top executives have faced misconduct allegations, according to the Raleigh News and Observer.
The Indiana Gaming Commission has approved a deal under which Hard Rock will assume at least 85 per cent ownership of the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary from Indianapolis-based Spectacle Entertainment.
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. Hard Rock has been operating the new $300m casino since it opened in May.
Hard Rock COO Jon Lucas said the company believed it was important to clear up the ownership troubles and alleviate the concerns of state regulators. “We believe in the project and feel good about being in this community and in this jurisdiction. This was the way to resolve it and we’re more than willing to do that.”
