French Lick Casino Opening On Track

As reported by the Louisville Courier-Journal : "A legal dispute between the partners developing the French Lick Casino Resort hasn't slowed progress on the project, leaving it on track for a public opening in November, the casino's general manager said yesterday.

"More than 400 slot machines have been delivered to the site, about 700 employees are on staff and renovated hotel rooms are simply waiting for furnishings, general manager Chris Leininger told the Indiana Gaming Commission.

"…The commission's discussion of the project yesterday included nary a word about the continuing dispute that threatens to tear apart the once-celebrated 50-50 partnership between the Indianapolis-based Lauth Group and a company created by the Bloomington-based Cook Group.

"Each has sought to reduce the ownership interest of the other, and the disputes are being fought in an Orange County court and in arbitration, where the parties are trying to establish a panel of mediators.

"The gaming commission is investigating the dispute, but executive director Ernest Yelton said yesterday that there's no evidence it has had any impact on the casino's projected opening or on its operations…"

2006-09-15