Indiana’s first casino to open in October

anans first land-based casino will be opening its doors to customers by the end of next month, according to Tropicana Evansville General Manager John Chaszar.

The Tropicana development has cost an estimated $50m to complete and will have its public opening on the 20th of October. It’s a distinct change of scenery for the casino which had been a riverboat operation for over 20 years.

The Tropicana is the first land-based casino to set up an operation in the state of Indiana where the General Assembly passed a 2015 bill allowing for the transition of river boat casinos onto the land.

The development is a milestone in the state and for the US as more lenient gambling laws come into effect around the country. In turn this has allowed for the gambling industry to grow nationally.

Chaszar said: "It's appropriate, us being the first casino in the state of Indiana and it's appropriate for us to be the first ones to take advantage of the new land-based legislation. When (the casino) first came to Evansville, it was a new milestone for the city of Evansville and we're really looking forward to this next era of entertainment."

When the casino starts to make money, the tax revenue will be used to help social developments in the state. The reduction of unregulated gambling operations such as riverboats being replaced with land-based casinos marks a new era for the industry in America.