Rising Star Casino Exploring Hotel Alternatives

A computer rendering of what the hotel may

look like.

file photo

(Rising Sun, Ind.) – As plans for a 100 room hotel in Rising Sun stall, the owner of Rising Star Casino may be looking a new direction.

Rising Sun/Ohio County First, Inc. and the Rising Sun Regional Foundation, Inc. announced in October they would build the hotel on property owned by Rising Star Casino.

On Friday, casino owner Full House Resorts issued a press release stating the hotel project has been delayed because of zoning issues.

“The Company is currently reviewing and exploring alternative options,” the release stated.

Full House did not give any details on what those possible new directions may be.

When the hotel plans were announced, casino officials stated the hotel could help soften the blow to the Rising Sun riverboat when a new casino opens in Cincinnati next year.

A 2010 study by Spectrum Gaming Group determined Cincinnati’s casino could siphon $181 million a year in revenues and $57.4 million in taxes from the three southeast Indiana riverboats.

The zoning issue came about following a December meeting of the Rising Sun Planning and Zoning Committee which nearly 500 people attended, Mayor Branden Roeder said.

Neighboring property owners told the committee the four-story hotel would lower their property values and create line of sight issues.

Roeder said he is scheduled to meet with Full House Resorts officials Wednesday and could learn what their plans are.

LINKS:

100 Room Hotel Planned At Rising Star Casino