Queen of Terre Haute casino gets the OK to move forward by IGC

​By Lucy Perry
News Writer
Indiana Central News

The Indiana Gaming Commission selected one casino operator out of four companies vying for the license to move forward with plans to build in Terre Haute during its meeting Wednesday evening in Indianapolis.

Louisville-based Churchill Downs won the award, facing off against Full House Resorts, Hard Rock and Terre Haute Entertainment. Their plan is to build the Queen of Terre Haute casino and hotel near Haute City Center mall, just off US 41.

Rendering of planned casino in Terre Haute

Churchill Downs casino representatives say its proposed venue in Terre Haute will offer various entertainment and dining experiences, aimed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Those plans include: a gaming floor with 1,000 slot machines and 50 table games, an outdoor smoking patio, a steakhouse, two bars, a casual dining restaurant, a special event room and a VIP lounge.

The planned casino will be able to accommodate more than 6,000 people. A hotel will add capacity for nearly 1,000 people and offer 125 guest rooms, ranging from standard to presidential suites, according to information provided by Churchill Downs representatives. They add that the casino is expected to draw visitors and economic activity from “across the Midwest to Terre Haute.”