S. Ind. casino expanding to fend off competition

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. — A southeastern Indiana casino is banking on a new $49 million convention center and hotel complex to help it compete with a casino being built in nearby Cincinnati.

Government and business leaders took part in a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday in downtown Lawrenceburg for the Hollywood Casino project. The new complex is expected to open in summer 2013 with a concert hall and exhibition space, a 180-room hotel and a 150-seat restaurant and bar.

Casino general manager Joe Hasson tells The Cincinnati Enquirer that the new complex is part of its offense to protect its business with Cincinnati’s casino set to open in 2013.

The city is financing most of the project, which Mayor William Cunningham tells WXIX-TV is needed to help the casino avoid a big loss in revenue.