Northwest Indiana’s three casinos reported revenues of $69.6 million in December, which is a decrease from December 2023, where revenues were $74.9 million, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission’s monthly gaming report.
Hard Rock Northern Indiana reported a slight decrease in earnings with about $35.9 million reported in December as compared to $36.2 million in December 2023, according to the report.
Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, said while the casino’s revenues were flat year over year in December it was still a strong finish for 2024. All in all, Schuffert said 2024 was the casino’s strongest year yet.
Hard Rock paid $1 million to a guest as part of its Hard Rock million-dollar giveaway, Schuffert said. The casino also paid out a record $23 million in slot jackpots in December, he said.
“Santa Claus was very giving to our customers here at Hard Rock,” Schuffert said. “That’s the most we’ve ever given out in a month in our nearly four years of being open.”
Thousands of people gathered at the casino for private and public events to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Schuffert said.
“It was a great finish to the year,” Schuffert said. “Overall, it was a great month. Very happy with the results and looking forward to a great 2025.”
In December, Ameristar Casino in East Chicago reported a win of $13.5 million while Horseshoe Hammond reported $20.2 million. Those figures compared to $15.1 million and $23.6 million in wins respectively for December 2023, according to the report.
Ameristar saw a slight increase in revenue while Hard Rock and Horseshoe Hammond saw decreases in revenue from November to December.
Ameristar reported $13.4 million in November and $13.5 million in December. Hard Rock reported $37.3 million in November and $35.9 million in December, while Horseshoe Hammond reported $21.6 million in November and $20.2 million in December, according to the report.
In 2024, Schuffert said Hard Rock reported strong revenues because the staff works diligently to provide services for guests.
“We look for opportunities to treat our guests in the best possible fashion. That’s certainly reflective in our numbers month after month,” Schuffert said.
A successful 2024 can also be attributed to the Hard Rock brand and the casino’s entertainment and dining options, Schuffert said.
“We pride ourselves in offering diverse choices in all those areas. We try to be everything for everybody,” Schuffert said.
Looking, Schuffert said casino executives are excited to partner with the City of Gary on the proposed Lake County Convention Center. This year, the Lake County Board of Commissioners will decide between proposals from the Hard Rock and City of Gary or the Garfield Public/Private LLC and the City of Hobart for a convention center.
Garfield Public/Private LLC and the City of Hobart proposed a convention center at Patriot Park, which is in the Interstate 65 and U.S. 30 interchange development zone.
Garfield Public/Private LLC and the City of Hobart have pitched a 150,000-square foot convention center with 250-room hotel. On the complex, the plan outlines 48 units of 3-story multi-family homes and eight units of 2-story multi-family homes.
The Hard Rock Casino and the City of Gary are proposing a convention center next to the existing casino in Gary. The proposed center would be a 145,000-square foot building, which includes a 40,000-square foot exhibit hall, an 18,000 square-foot ballroom and two pre-function rooms.
“We’re looking forward to seeing where that decision goes, but we’re very excited to be a part of that process,” Schuffert said.
In 2025, Schuffert said the casino has a strong entertainment lineup and will make changes to the gaming floor as opportunities arise.
“2025 is just getting started. We’ll see how the weather plays out this winter and let’s get to spring and summer. We’ll see how the year goes,” Schuffert said.
