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Cincinnati Casino Sneak Peak

Updated: Wednesday, February 27 2013, 08:05 AM EST
CINCINNATI — Ohio’s fourth full service casino is full of glitz and glamour and could be the Queen City’s newest jewel in its crown.  While workers are gearing up for a grand opening on Monday, ABC 6 got a preview of what they will offer.  Horseshoe Cincinnati is a $400 million casino built on the edge of downtown. The two story casino is 400,000 square feet on 23 acres.  It has 2,000 slot machines, 85 game tables and a 31 table World Series of Poker Room.  The casino also features three restaurants that are accessible from the street.  The casino is going to be open 24-7 , 365 days a year, and casino operators expect about 6 million visitors annually.  An estimated yearly $100 million in gambling taxes will be distributed to cities, counties, and school districts in Ohio.

Casino developer Rock Gaming said the project is the first “true urban casino in America.”  Steve Rosenthal said “other casinos are more like fortresses across the U-S, where you walk in and do everything inside the casino.”  Horseshoe is trying a different concept with the casino in the middle of the city and with restaurants on the outside where people can walk in and enjoy dining and entertainment.  They also have created a one acre park and outdoor concert and event lawn.  “We feel like we are city builders as well as in the entertainment business,” said Rosenthal. 

More than 1,700 people will work at the casino after it opens.  Employees have been practicing their jobs as dealers, waitresses, valet staff and more.  “I am very excited for this job opportunity.  Raised in Cincinnati, I know what this will do for our economy.  Cincinnati needs this and Ohio needs this,” said William Moffett, who will work at a restaurant in the casino.

Horseshoe will host a controlled demonstration for about 15,000 invited guests on Wednesday this week.  The purpose of the eight hour preview, which is required by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, is to demonstrate the operational readiness of the casino and team members.  Proceeds from the preview will benefit local charities.

Ohio voters in 2009 approved expanded gambling at casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.  The Horseshoe Casino Cleveland and Hollywood Casino Toledo opened in May.  Hollywood Casino Columbus opened in October.

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Reporter: LuAnn Stoia
Web Producer: Kellie HannaCincinnati Casino Sneak Peak