Oct. 08–The company that operates Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino today earned initial approval from state gaming regulators to reopen a shuttered Lake Tahoe casino under the same brand.
Warner Gaming is transforming the former Horizon casino, which closed earlier this year, into a new Hard Rock property in Stateline. The state Gaming Control Board recommended Warner for approval to run the casino, a decision that will now head to the Gaming Commission for final consideration.
William Warner, the company’s chief executive, told the gaming board at its meeting in Carson City that the $60 million renovation should be completed in January.
He described a complete revamping of the property’s interior, which will feature a 25,000-square-foot casino floor and more than 500 remodeled rooms.
“We want everyone to forget the name ‘Horizon,'” Warner said.
Gaming board Chairman A.G. Burnett called it an “extreme makeover” of the building.
The Tahoe Hard Rock intends to focus on younger customers, with a strategic mix of entertainment and other nongaming amenities, Warner said.
The property is owned by the Park family, but the Warner company will be in charge of day-to-day operations.
Warner is well-versed when it comes to running a Hard Rock. In addition to the Las Vegas casino, Warner also manages a Hard Rock property in Sioux City, Iowa.
