Northwest Indiana Casinos See Robust Revenue Growth in May

Northwest Indiana’s three casinos reported revenues of $76.3 million in May, an increase of about 0.8% from the approximately $75.7 million reported for the same month last year, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission’s monthly gaming report.

Hard Rock Northern Indiana saw an increase in earnings with about $39.9 million reported for May 2025 compared to $39.3 million reported in May 2024, according to the report.

Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, said in May the casino celebrated its fourth year of operations in Gary. In that four-year period, May was its second strongest month behind March 2024, Schuffert said.

The casino saw an increase in revenue in May because officials brought in the newest slot machines, offered many entertainment options and Memorial Day weekend saw a strong turnout.

“It was good to see business growing this May. Overall, a very strong month for us,” Schuffert said. “Kudos to a great May and kudos to the team here doing a great job.”

May was also a strong month for the Hard Rock with the Lake County Board of Commissioners approving the casino and the city of Gary’s proposal for the Lake County Convention Center to be built near the casino.

Schuffert said he was “excited and honored” that the commissioners accepted the proposal.

“There’s certainly a lot of work to do to get to that final product, but not only is it going to provide a boost in this area but certainly in all of Lake County,” Schuffert said.

Horseshoe Hammond saw an increase while Ameristar Casino in East Chicago reported a decrease in revenue year over year in May.

Horseshoe Hammond reported $23.8 million in revenues in May 2025 and $21.8 million in revenues in May 2024. Ameristar Casino reported $12.6 million in revenues in May 2025 and $14.6 million in revenues in May 2024, according to the report.

All three casinos reported an increase in revenues from April to May.

Hard Rock reported $37.7 million in revenues in April and $39.9 million in revenues in May. Horseshoe Hammond reported $21.1 million in revenues in April and $23.8 million in May, while Ameristar reported $13.7 million in revenues in April and $12.6 million in revenues in May.

Horseshoe Hammond and Ameristar officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Typically, June is a tough month for regional gaming revenue as people attend graduations, weddings, move out from school or go on vacation, Schuffert said.

“It’s just always a challenging month as we’re battling for people’s time versus a lot of other things that are going on, and that’s understandable,” Schuffert said.