French Lick Casino to Open this Friday

FRENCH LICK, Ind. – As reported by the Associated Press: “Workers are putting the finishing touches on the French Lick Springs Resort Casino in anticipation of this week's long-awaited
Artist's rendering of the French Lick Resort Casino.  opening of the $382 million complex.

“If the casino opens as scheduled on Friday, it will begin to reinvigorate the economically depressed Orange County, returning some of the excitement - and money - that gambling generated there in the early 20th century.

“A big part of the project includes the renovation of two grand old hotels, gussied up for a new generation of big spenders.

“‘This project is bringing that back. They've managed to capture the feel ... an old, nostalgic feel. It's going to breathe economic life back into this county,’ said Christopher Stolarski, a spokesman for the project.

“Gambling hasn't been legal in the French Lick area since 1949, when it was outlawed by then-Gov. Henry Schricker.

“The project has a riverboat-style casino surrounded by a moat, spa, bowling alley, fitness center, restaurants, two hotels, 45 holes of golf on three courses, 10 dining options, two swimming pools and stables. The gaming floor spreads out under 26-foot ceilings and is fitted with 1,200 slot machines, 32 table games and a 12-table poker room.

“The doors open Tuesday for an invitation-only sneak preview after a ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place and the first dollar is played in a slot machine…”