Called ‘A boat load of fun!’ the new Hollywood Casino has opened on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Following a soft opening at the weekend, the new operation that replaces the old Argosy Casino offers 150,000 sq ft of gaming floor with 3,200 slots and electronic table games, over 88 table games and 41 live poker tables. The US$336 million casino vessel was opened officially today by Lawrenceburg Mayor William Cunningham and Penn National Gaming Chief Executive Officer Peter M Carlino.

“With four years of planning, two years of construction and a significant capital investment, Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg is bringing guests new gaming and entertainment experiences that are unrivaled in the market,” said Carlino. “The Hollywood décor and theme is flawlessly executed throughout the facility, we have added a large number of slots and gaming positions to accommodate significantly more patrons during peak periods and we have expanded parking and made infrastructure improvements which will make the facility more accessible than ever before.”

He added, “The new facility is so impressive that it was recently selected as a stop on the World Poker Tour, and we’ve established the World Poker Tour room at the facility, which will be the premier poker room for Midwest players. We are grateful for the support of local and state government officials and regulators throughout the planning and development process and look forward to bringing our special brand of ‘Hollywood’ entertainment to visitors from across the tri-state region.”

Marked by the scale, grandeur and modern design of the project, the new Hollywood Casino boat is more than twice the size of the property’s existing casino vessel and offers 4,400 gaming positions – the most of any riverboat casino in the United States. Hollywood’s two decks, each wider than an aircraft carrier and nearly as long as a football field, can accommodate nearly 9,000 guests, approximately a 5,000-person increase from the casino’s former capacity.

The classic style and glamour of 1930s art deco Hollywood is evident throughout the casino and is complemented by the latest technology and amenities designed for ultimate guest comfort. Among the casino’s major attractions is an exclusive VIP Producer’s Lounge, expanded high-limit gaming area and a 41-table World Poker Tour poker room, the largest card room of any kind in the Midwest. The casino brings classic Hollywood to life with a 60-foot serpentine video wall, nine large billboards and more than 300 flat screen displays featuring first-run movie trailers, video shorts, entertainment programming and sporting events.

At the centre of it all is Hollywood on the Roof, a performance area with a panoramic screen resembling the Hollywood Bowl where bands can entertain guests and video content can be projected in grand scale. Hollywood on the Roof features a high-energy circular bar that looks out onto the casino atrium and its giant eye-catching chandelier. The casino floor is marked by two back-lot Hollywood film sets: Central Park, complete with a classic wrought iron gate at the perimeter and trees and foliage sprinkled among slot machines; and Water Works, designed to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a Busby Berkeley movie.

“We really didn’t have an identity when we were Argosy, but the classic Hollywood theme is something that resonates with every guest,” said Tony Rodio, Hollywood Lawrenceburg general manager. “Our goal is to create an energetic yet sophisticated ambiance that exudes Hollywood no matter where you play on the floor, and to deliver a unique experience each and every visit a player makes here. Our blackjack players will find that we’ve introduced several new side bet options that offer extra chances to win.”

New additions, designed to enhance Hollywood Casino’s variety of popular table games, include rapid roulette, three-card poker progressive, fortune pai gow poker and lucky ladies blackjack. With 4,400 gaming positions, Hollywood is the largest riverboat casino in the United States. The property includes a 300-room hotel and multiple dining options to meet every guest’s needs.
(E-06.29.09)

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