The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finally approved the $17.3 billion merger of Caesars Entertainment and Eldorado Resorts.
The merger brings five of Indiana’s 13 state-regulated casinos under the umbrella of one owner.
Recently, Caesars Entertainment announced it received FTC approval for a consent order for the company to merge with Eldorado Resorts, Inc. All federal antitrust clearances have been satisfied for the merger.
The FTC agreement requires EldoradoResorts to sell their casino in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, as well as one in Bossier City-Shreveport, Louisiana.
Finally, Eldorado must also follow through on the sale of one casino in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Merger Receives FTC Approval, Still Needs Approval in Indiana
However, the merger still needs approval by the Indiana Gaming Commission and the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. It also needs the final approval of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission and before the merger can be finalized.
July 10 is the date scheduled for the Indiana Gaming Commission to review, and approve, the proposed merger. July 13, is the date set for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission to review and approve the merger.
“We’re pleased that the FTC approved our planned merger with Eldorado Resorts. This paves the way for receiving the rest of the approvals and consents from regulators in Nevada, Indiana, and New Jersey,” commented Tony Rodio, CEO of Caesars Entertainment.
“Everyone at Caesars is committed to finalizing the merger, which will create the largest U.S. gaming company.”
The combined Caesars-Eldorado company, which will carry the Caesars branding, will encompass around 60 casinos in 16 states.
In Indiana, Caesars will add Eldorado’s Tropicana Casino in Evansville. Caesars already owns the Indiana Grand and Harrah’s Hoosier Park racinos near Indianapolis and the Hammond Horseshoe and Horseshoe Southern Indiana casinos.
According to the Indiana Gaming Commission, those five casinos generated close to 60% of the $591 million in state gambling taxes paid during the 2019 budget year.
Indiana law only allows a single casino company to own a total of six gaming properties in the state.
In neighboring Illinois, Caesars owns Harrah’s Joliet and Harrah’s Metropolis casinos, while Eldorado Resorts owns the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.
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Caesars’ Casino Properties in the Hoosier State
Ameristar Casino, East Chicago
Date established: 1999
Name: Harrah’s Casino
Location: East Chicago
Table games: 72
Slot machines: 1,809
Employees: 1,735
Casino “win”: $206,739,712
Current information: 2019
Name: Ameristar Casino
Location: East Chicago
Table games: 79
Slot machines: 1,748
Employees: 1,242
Casino “win”: $226,733,852
Information: Indiana Gaming Commission annual reports. 1999 data covers the calendar year, 2019 data covers the fiscal year. “Casino win” is the remaining revenue after paying winning bets.
Horseshoe Casino, Hammond
Date established: 1999
Name: Empress Casino
Location: Hammond
Table games: 64
Slot machines: 1,660
Employees: 1,959
Casino “win”: $229,134,089
Current information: 2019
Name: Horseshoe Casino
Location: Hammond
Table games: 150
Slot machines: 2,173
Employees: 1,835
Casino “win”: $386,704,714
Information: Indiana Gaming Commission annual reports. 1999 data covers the calendar year, 2019 data covers the fiscal year. “Casino win” is the remaining revenue after paying winning bets.
Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City
Date established: 1999
Name: Blue Chip Casino
Location: Michigan City
Table games: 57
Slot machines: 1,336
Employees: 1,779
Casino “win”: $160,605,827
Current information: 2019
Name: Blue Chip Casino
Location: Michigan City
Table games: 48
Slot machines: 1,669
Employees: 970
Casino “win”: $153,530,104
Information: Indiana Gaming Commission annual reports. 1999 data covers the calendar year, 2019 data covers the fiscal year. “Casino win” is the remaining revenue after paying winning bets.
Majestic Star Casino, Gary
Date established: 1999
Name: Majestic Star
Location: Gary
Table games: 57
Slot machines: 1,410
Employees: 1,058
Casino “win”: $117,248,008
Current information: 2019
Name: Majestic Star
Location: Gary
Table games: 49
Slot machines: 790
Employees: 763
Casino “win”: $89,120,898
Information: Indiana Gaming Commission annual reports. 1999 data covers the calendar year, 2019 data covers the fiscal year. “Casino win” is the remaining revenue after paying winning bets.
Majestic Star Casino II, Gary
Date established: 1999
Name: Trump Casino
Location: GaryTable games: 51
Slot machines: 1,249
Employees: 1,261
Casino “win”: $138,866,099
Current information: 2019
Name: Majestic Star Casino II
Location: Gary
Table games: 14
Slot machines: 830
Employees: 201
Casino “win”: $61,374,238
Information: Indiana Gaming Commission annual reports. 1999 data covers the calendar year, 2019 data covers the fiscal year. “Casino win” is the remaining revenue after paying winning bets.
