Majestic Star Casino permanently closing April 18

As the new Hard Rock Casino in Gary prepares to open next month, the casino it is replacing is set to permanently close in less than two weeks. The official closing time for the Majestic Star is midnight. Casino guests must enter the Majestic Star by 11 p.m. April 18 to be there at the end.

"While it is bittersweet to say goodbye to our little casino on Buffington Harbor, the entire team at Majestic Star Casino is excited about the transition to Hard Rock," said Jahnae Erpenbach, Spectacle Entertainment CEO and Majestic Star general manager. "Working with an international brand in northern Indiana is a wonderful opportunity for our employees, as well as a new entertainment experience for the entire community."

"I would like to personally wish our team members, the Hard Rock executive team, and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana President Matt Schuffert the very best. We look forward to a long and successful partnership in Indiana."

Sara Tait, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, also recognized the significance of the Majestic Star to Indiana's gaming industry: "This property was key to realizing the goals of the Riverboat Gambling Act from the very inception of gaming in Indiana," Tait said. 

Regular Majestic Star patrons should experience a seamless transition to Hard Rock as their Majestic Rewards account and recent play automatically will transfer to a Hard Rock Loyalty account, as will any Majestic Cash balance. Tier points will not transfer but Majestic Star play will determine the Hard Rock card level.

Individuals holding tickets with Majestic Star slot winnings, or in possession of Majestic Star chips, also will be able to cash them in at the Hard Rock for the foreseeable future. The Indiana Gaming Commission eventually will set an expiration date for redemption of Majestic Star slot tickets and chips.