By Jon Seidel, Post-Tribune staff writer
INDIANAPOLIS -- The purchase of Resorts East Chicago by
Ameristar Casinos was approved Thursday by the
Indiana Gaming Commission.
By Tuesday, Ameristar CEO John Boushy hopes to make the deal final, and Resorts' General Manager Joe DeRosa signaled that nothing should stand in the way of that.
"We're very comfortable with the transition plan we have in place," DeRosa said.
Under an agreement reached April 3, Boushy said, Ameristar will buy Resorts for $675 million, along with a $25 million escrow deposit.
He said his company does not intend to change the name, procedures or systems during the transfer.
"We intend to remain open throughout the transition," Boushy said.
After a year, however, Boushy said there could be some rebranding at the casino, and he said his company is considering a new single-level vessel, a parking structure and more food outlets.
He said Ameristar might open a bakery at Resorts. "We find that our guests enjoy baked goods," Boushy said.
Meanwhile, Boushy said his company intends to honor the obligations under the existing development agreements in East Chicago.
At its meeting in Indianapolis on Thursday, the Gaming Commission also voted to renew the gambling license of Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City.
It also approved several financial settlements over minor disciplinary matters at state casinos.
Blue Chip will pay $19,500 to avoid disciplinary action for violations in the delivery of gaming devices and allowing an underage person into the casino for the third time in six months.
Horseshoe Casino Hammond will pay $15,000 for submitting late tax forms.
Resorts will pay $13,732 for paying a jackpot to a voluntary exclusion participant.
Finally Majestic Star, which had nine violations, will pay a $51,500 fine.
Among Majestic Star's violations were failing to secure and balance a roulette wheel, allowing underage players onto the floor, and not securing playing cards that weren't in use.