VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Community members voiced their opinions on Churchill Downs Inc. being selected by the Indiana Gaming Commission on Wednesday to receive the Vigo County casino operator’s license.
“I honestly think that it would bring some good money in and have another thing to do in Terre Haute other than the fair and stuff like that,” Terre Haute resident Austin Shaner said.
Shaner said he has lived in Terre Haute for the last 13 years, but has never gotten to experience a casino out here.
Another Terre Haute resident, Porscha Condry, said she turns 21 next month and is excited to have the opportunity to have more to do in the town she grew up in.
“I am excited because the only casinos I have been near are the ones in Vegas and I couldn’t do anything because I wasn’t of age but since there is going to be one here, I’m kind of excited about it,” Condry said.
Condry also said she thinks this will make a positive impact on the community by attracting more tourism and more jobs.
“I feel like it adds a little more to do in the community and it could add jobs for people that are kind of struggling right now,” she said.
Other people we spoke with said they do have concerns over the location of where the casino will be going and if it is truly needed in the community.
The development would be a 10-story luxury casino with a rooftop pool and bar and would feature over 1,000 slot machines and multiple table games.
Churchill Downs Inc. will now be finishing permits and sending equipment bids and hope to begin construction soon.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly indicated there is a casino in this area.
