Strictly Slots July 2022

Cherokees Announce Purchase of Gold Strike Tunica C asino-owning tribes have greatly expanded their presence in the in dustry over the last few years. Indian casino groups have expanded their gaming enterprises beyond their tradi tional borders.California’s San Manuel Band of Mission Indians recently re opened the Palms in Las Vegas and the Seminoles also announced the pur chase of The Mirage in December, eventually rebranding the property as a Hard Rock casino. The trend continued in June when MGM Resorts announced the sale of the operations of the Gold Strike Casino inTunica,MS, to the Cherokee Nation Entertainment Gam ing. The property is one of the more popular casino destinations in the area and the Cherokees are acquiring the resort for $450 million.The property boasts a 32-story hotel tower with about 1,100 rooms and 50,000 square feet of gaming space with 61 table games and 1,050 slot machines. “I want to thank all of our Gold Strike employees who have consis tently delivered world-class gaming and entertainment experiences to our guests,”MGM President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle said in a news release. “Gold Strike is a wonderful property with a bright future ahead. Strategically though,we decided to narrow our focus in Mississippi to a single resort— Beau Rivage—and dedicate more of our time and resources toward contin uing to drive success at that leading, world-class resort and casino.” Cherokee Gaming operates casi nos throughout Oklahoma and is now expanding outside the Sooner State with the purchase.

Artist renderings of Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino expansion, expected to be completed by July 2023.

I n early May, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. shared plans for a $39 million investment to ex pand the casino gaming floor of Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, further enhancing the casino operator’s commitment to racing and gaming in Indiana. Harrah’s Hoosier Park, located inAnderson,will add approximately 30,000 square feet to the casino,allowing for 150 brand-new slot machines and 16 additional table games.Across the entire property, guests will enjoy significant updates to architectural features, including new carpeting and design elements. Additionally, the expanded gaming floor will feature a new high-limit space, a casino bar fea turing hand-crafted cocktails and a quick-serve restaurant with access directly from the casino floor, a new and improved Caesars Rewards center, upgrades to the Pegasus trackside bar, and an additional quick-serve restaurant on the casino floor. “The enhancements at Harrah’s Hoosier Park further exhibit Caesars Entertainment’s com mitment to gaming in the state of Indiana,”saidAnthony Carano,president and chief operating of ficer of Caesars Entertainment.“We’re committed to bringing the best in gaming to our Caesars Rewards destinations across the country.We are thrilled to unveil our exciting plans for the ex pansion of Harrah’s Hoosier Park.We’re confident these changes will benefit our guests and our Team Members.” “The growth of Harrah’s Hoosier Park will continue to allow us to bring the best in racing and gaming options to our guests,”saidTrent McIntosh,senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Hoosier Park.“With the addition of a new high-limit room and gaming tables,new food and beverage offerings and upgraded design concepts, we’re elevating ourselves as one of the best gaming destinations in Indiana.” For more information, visit www.caesars.com/harrahs-hoosier-park. Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino Expands

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