Why go to Las Vegas to gamble when you can visit... Cleveland? It took investors an estimated $350 million, and it needed five state-wide votes in two decades, but Ohio is now getting its first casino. Earlier this week, Horseshoe Casino Cleveland opened to the public.
Approximately 5 million people are expected to visit Horseshoe Casino Cleveland this year, reports The Huffington Post, noting that those who do check out the new 96,000 square feet of gambling space can take advantage of an estimated 2,100 slot machines, 65 table games, a VIP lounge, and a poker room that holds 30 tables. There’s also a food court, a 400-seat buffet, and a parking garage. BizJournal.com reports that the crowd at the grand opening totaled to 5,000, which is the limit for the number of people that can play games simultaneously. NewsNet5.com says that 1,500 people came to enjoy the casino’s first full day.
Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, developed the casino with gambling industry veterans Caesars Entertainment, the company that owns the Harrah’s brand of casinos and other chains of gambling houses. Gilbert says that over 90% of the casino’s 1,600 employees are from the community. In fact, it was with the promise of local job creation that people were persuaded to vote to build the casino. Those against the idea warned of an increase in gambling addiction.
Besides creating jobs, officials are hoping that the casino will draw people into the downtown area and revitalize it. Jeff Cohen, one of the people involved in bringing the gambling to Cleveland, thinks the city will continue to respond well. "If you look at the enthusiasm and the support that we've gotten from this entire project, you'll find that the excitement here is at an all-time high," he said.
Voters also approved casinos in Toledo, opening in two weeks. By next year, more casinos are scheduled to open in Cincinnati and Columbus.
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