Indiana’s Terra Haute Casino Resort Opening Date Set by Churchill Downs

Article ByDavid Weir

January 11, 2024

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Posted in: Indiana Gambling News, Kentucky Gambling News, US Casino News, US Gambling News

The long-awaited Terre Haute Casino Resort in Terra Haute, Indiana, is set to open its doors on April 5, 2024, operator Churchill Downs announced this week.

The new addition to the list of Indiana casinos is owned by Kentucky horse race and betting operator Churchill Downs Incorporated, or CDI.

The 400,000-square-foot, $239 million venue, located on Margaret Avenue near the intersection of Indiana 46 and Margaret, has been in development since 2021.

This opening marks a significant expansion for CDI as it enters its 14th state. As well as its namesake Churchill Downs racetrack of Kentucky Derby fame, CDI also operates horse racing tracks in Virginia and casinos in a dozen more states.

“Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley have waited a long time for this vision to become a reality. Churchill Downs Incorporated is excited to open one of the premier gaming destinations in the Midwest on April 5, said Mike Rich, VP & GM of Terra Haute Casino Resort, in a press release.

“The launch of Terre Haute Casino Resort extends beyond physical structure. It’s about creating a vibrant and integral part of this community, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring this exciting chapter to life.”

Venue Specifics and Launch Date

The casino will open first on April 5, followed by the 10-story luxury hotel tower on May 15.

The striking modern design of the complex features curved accents to the architecture, as well as a rooftop garden and bar area to top off the resort tower.

The opening celebrations will begin at 10.30 a.m. on launch day. There will be live entertainment and special promotions, including a complimentary T-shirt for the first 1,000 customers.

The Terra Haute Casino Resort’s gaming floor will operate ’round the clock from opening. It will feature 1,000 slot machines, 34 gaming tables, and a variety of food and beverage venues, including Four Cornered Steakhouse, Rockwood Bar & Grill, and others.

There will also be a new addition to the list of Indiana retail sportsbooks, with a venue powered by CDI’s own in-house platform.

“We’re thrilled that we have a date for the opening of the casino, with the hotel opening to follow. We’re excited to see how this will benefit our community. This is another piece to the puzzle of economic development for Vigo County,” said County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard.

Economic and Community Impact

The casino will employ some 1,000 people overall, through construction and continued operation once open. Some 25 casino employee positions are already being advertised, with many more to come once the resort is operational.

Terre Haute’s Mayor, Brandon Sakbun, highlighted the positive impact casino taxes will have on city services.

“The incoming casino dollars will provide resources to address some of our many city services, like paving, sidewalk improvement, parks upgrades, and improved equipment for city staff to deliver for the people of Terre Haute,” he said.

With an estimated 1.1 million incoming visitors per year once the casino open, plans are underway to improve transportation and infrastructure on State Road 46 and Margaret Avenue.

“Our public safety leaders remain in close contact with the casino and are conducting prudent planning to ensure all residents and tourists alike have a safe and enjoyable experience,” Sakbun said.