Indiana: Full House makes $250M casino pitch for Vigo County license

Full House Resorts made on Thursday its $250 million casino pitch for the Terre Haute, Vigo County casino license competition. During the public presentation, which gathered about 50 people at Idle Creek, the Las Vegas-based developer and operator argued it should be selected by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

The company said it has signed an agreement with Indianapolis-based contractor F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. for its proposed casino and hotel should it win the license, reports Tribune-Star.

“We will use local contractors,” said Full House Resorts senior vice president and chief development officer Alex Stolyar. “It is a big project and want to make sure it is built right”.

Full House’s proposal for the casino race is a venue called American Place. It would have a 100,000-square foot casino with 1,000 slots, 50 gaming tables and a sportsbook, and a 100-room hotel.

American Place would be located on 32 acres at 5995 E. Margaret Avenue, near Interstate 70 and U.S. 40/Indiana 46 intersection. If developed, the project could create approximately 1,800 construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs, according to the company.

Full House further revealed during the meeting that it has an agreement to locate a smaller, temporary casino in the Haute City Center mall (pending the Commission’s approval). It would work while the proposed facility is designed and constructed, a process expected to take between 18 to 24 months.

Some Terre Haute area residents are asking the Indiana Gaming Commission to favor proposals that would include poker tables, as they currently have to take long drives to play the game. Full House’s senior VP said that, if demand is high, the company would consider adding them. The temporary casino could fill the role of testing interest, further reports the previously cited news source.

The company promised during its pitch that it would hire 85% of its employees from Vigo County, and that it will generate an estimated $58 million in revenue for the county, city and others over five years.

In terms of design, the property would count with a hotel elevated above an interior greenscape, in a shape resembling a “happy smile.” Most guest rooms would be located on upper levels, enjoying extended views.

Amenities within the hotel would include a pool deck and restaurant, atop the building, overlooking the Wabash Valley. Along the neighboring freeway, Full House has plans to build a large greenhouse, “offering a lush interior environment.” Two restaurants offering “outdoor” dining, even in winter, would be located within the greenhouse.

This is not Full House’s first attempt to bring gaming to Terre Haute. In 2017, the company seeked to move some gaming positions to Terre Haute from another Indiana casino. However, the idea stalled in a General Assembly committee.

Other applicants for the Vigo County license are Hard Rock, Churchill Downs, and Premier Gaming Group. The IGC plans to award a casino license at its Nov. 17 meeting.