Indiana Grand breaks ground on $32.5 million casino expansion

Release by Robert Jarrett, Caesars Entertainment

SHELBYVILLE, IN (March 25, 2021) – Earlier today, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. broke ground on its $32.5 million investment to expand and enhance the current casino gaming floor of Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. In attendance were Caesars Entertainment Indiana Grand SVP and General Manager, Mike Rich, Indiana Gaming Commission Executive Director Sara Gonso Tait and Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun.

“Caesars and local leadership should be commended for their ongoing commitment to Indiana and their local partners,” said Indiana Gaming Commission Executive Director Sara Gonso Tait. “Personally, aside from the creation of new jobs, I’m most excited to see if any Hoosiers can hone their skills in the poker room and qualify for the World Series of Poker. This significant investment solidifies Indiana Grand’s standing as a premier property not only in Indiana but all over the country.”

"This is a great opportunity for our community, and I look forward to expansion of our recreational options," noted Shelbyville Mayor Tom Debaun.

"Today marks the beginning of continued growth for both our team at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino and the City of Shelbyville,” said Mike Rich, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Indiana Grand. "The expansion of our gaming operation allows us to increase job opportunities, accommodate more guests, increase local tourism and contribute millions more in gaming revenue to our local economy. Having both IGC Executive Director Tait and Mayor DeBaun here with us today is a direct testament to our partnership and commitment to the gaming industry and to the State of Indiana."

Shared last week, Indiana Grand, located in Shelbyville, will add approximately 25,000 square feet to the north end of the casino making room for 100 brand-new slot machines and 25 more table games. Inside the new gaming floor and across the property, guests will enjoy significant updates to design and architectural features. Additionally, the expansion is projected to add more than 100 new casino jobs and millions to local and state gaming tax revenues.

The expanded gaming floor will feature the WSOP Poker Room, a live Poker Room named for and carrying the spirit of the legendary World Series of Poker, the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the world. The new WSOP Poker Room will include 20 tables and offer a premium experience with ways to qualify for WSOP land-based tournaments including the Main Event in Las Vegas.

Wilhelm Construction of Indianapolis will begin work on April 1, 2021, with renovations set to be completed by the end of 2021.

Preliminary plans include:

· A 5,000 square foot WSOP Poker Room featuring 20 tables

· A 20-seat video poker bar with 65” LCD overhead screens

· New table games, slots and gaming chairs

· New design elements throughout the gaming floor

· New surface parking

· More than 100 new jobs added to the work force

· Millions in local and state gaming tax revenue

Additional details on new hospitality, entertainment, and culinary offerings are anticipated in the coming months, subject to City and Indiana Gaming Commission approval. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com/indiana-grand.

Photo (Left to Right): Sara Gonso Tait, Executive Director, Indiana Gaming Commission; Rebecca Holwerda, Senior Operations Director, Governor’s Office; Scott Ferguson, City Council, City of Shelbyville; Chief Tony Logan, Fire Chief, Shelbyville County Fire Department; Mike Rich, Senior VP & General Manager, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino; Gary Nolley, President, Shelby Parks and Recreation; Mayor Tom DeBaun, City of Shelbyville; Lenny Lisle, Vice President of Marketing, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino; Rachael Ackley, Executive Director, Shelby County Tourism & Visitor’s Bureau; Donna Christian, Executive Director, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce