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For decades, Gary has diligently worked to create economic opportunities for our region, often seeing the benefits of our efforts distributed to neighboring communities. When Gary initially petitioned the state legislature for the first gaming license in 1988, it was thanks to the tireless advocacy of former Senator Earline Rogers, Representative Charlie Brown, and other Gary leaders that eventually opened doors for gaming opportunities for other neighboring cities in Northwest Indiana.
In the early 2000s, Gary was the first city to advocate for casino legislation in Indiana. The city received two licenses and operated two casino boats within Buffington Harbor. East Chicago and Hammond also opened casinos. Recently, the State legislature passed House Bill 1448, which requires Gary to pay $2 million in concessions to East Chicago and Michigan City over the next 10 years. This legislation fails to acknowledge that for 20 years, Gary had to compete while sandwiched between two other casino municipalities. Throughout those two decades, Gary never received subsidies from neighboring cities, nor was any "hold harmless" language established to protect our city's economic viability.
When I authored Senate Bill 434 in 2023 as an Indiana State Senator, I saw an opportunity to give Gary a fair chance. I crafted a funding mechanism that would benefit the Region by creating a much-needed convention center without burdening local taxpayers or local businesses. Contrary to statements made by Mayor McDermott of Hammond, this multi-million-dollar project will be funded entirely through increased wagering tax revenue generated by Hard Rock Casino—not local tax dollars. If Gary receives this convention center, we'll partner with Hard Rock to invest our gaming revenues into the project, again without using any local tax money.
I've consistently sought regional cooperation during this process. When drafting SB 434 in 2023 as a state senator, I discussed this concept with Mayor McDermott. I even identified opportunities for Hammond to benefit from Gary's proposal by developing a strategy to invest in the corridor from Grant Street to Calumet Avenue and transform it into an entertainment corridor.
Now, Mayor McDermott is spreading misinformation, claiming that we never spoke and that Gary and Hard Rock are looking to 'murder' Hammond—this is simply not the case. In fact, it's a straight up lie. Mayor McDermott blames Gary for Hammond's lost revenue but conveniently ignores that two other casinos have opened in Chicago. You can't attribute all these losses to Gary alone.
My administration remains committed to collaborating with local, regional and state stakeholders to advance projects that benefit our city and Region as a whole. I want to thank the East Chicago Common Council and the many community stakeholders who have supported Gary’s proposal.
This is not a zero-sum game, and Lake County will not fully prosper if Gary is excluded from its growth. Let that sink in.
-Mayor Eddie Melton
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer, City of Gary
eblackwell@gary.gov | (219) 806-6489
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