It's also the first land-based commercial casino in Indiana built away from its former dockside location. It replaces the Majestic Star Casinos that operated on Lake Michigan from Gary's Buffington Harbor for the past 25 years. The $300 million entertainment destination includes a casino with some 1,600 slot machines and 80 table games, five restaurants, including a Hard Rock Cafe, a 1,954-seat Hard Rock Live performance venue and an on-site sports book and gift shop. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, first proposed land-based gaming in the Steel City, and some 16 months after construction started adjacent to eastbound Interstate 80/94 at the Burr Street exit.
The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana opened its doors to the public Friday, more than 20 years after former state Sen. The $300 million, 200,000 square foot entertainment complex has nearly 1,600 slot games, 80 gaming tables, restaurants, a theater and a live performance venue. The new Hard Rock Casino in Gary, Indiana is finally opening Friday after breaking ground back in January of 2020.
