Published on: March 16, 2026, 01:18h.
Updated on: March 16, 2026, 01:18h.
- Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is contributing to a new animal shelter initiative
- The casino has pledged $500,000 to support the Gary Animal Care project
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has generously donated $500,000 for the development of the new Gary Animal Care facility.
Recently, the Hard Rock casino, which is owned by Hard Rock International, a division of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, issued a check for $500,000 to the City of Gary. This donation complements an additional $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act designated for designing and building the $1.4 million animal shelter.
“This significant contribution from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana reflects their ongoing commitment to being a true partner within our community,” stated Mayor Eddie Melton. “This project will ensure we can offer modern and compassionate care for animals while enhancing vital city services. The support from Hard Rock is transforming a long-standing need into a valuable investment for our residents and city.”
The new Gary Animal Care facility will replace the aging Animal Control building, as detailed by Steve Segura, Gary’s chief communications officer. The remaining $400,000 will come from available animal shelter funds and a fundraising campaign aided by Silverstray Social, a nonprofit that provides complimentary animal care to families in need.
Hard Rock Leads the Indiana Casino Market
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana was inaugurated in May 2021. This $300 million, 200,000-square-foot entertainment venue is situated approximately 35 minutes southeast of Chicago.
The casino has enjoyed substantial success, consistently outperforming others in the Indiana gaming market. In the fiscal year 2025, its 1,700 slot machines and 80 live dealer table games amassed a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $444.3 million, surpassing Horseshoe Indianapolis, which garnered $332.2 million.
In addition to gaming, Hard Rock Northern Indiana hosts five restaurants, featuring the signature Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. The venue also includes two distinct bars and lounges, a Hard Rock retail shop, and the impressive Hard Rock Live concert hall with a capacity of nearly 2,000 seats.
New Convention Center on the Horizon
Exciting developments are on the way for the Gary casino, as the Lake County Board of Supervisors advances plans for a $100 million convention center adjacent to Hard Rock Northern Indiana.
This ambitious project will feature 145,000 square feet of convention space and a 300-room hotel closely linked to the casino. Hard Rock is contributing to the financing of the convention center through a $1.5 million annual subsidy over 20 years, totaling $30 million.
Additionally, Gary is considered a candidate to host the Chicago Bears. In January, the city launched a campaign called “The Ultimate Comeback Story,” offering an array of tax incentives to entice the NFL franchise to Northwest Indiana.
The City of Gary has crafted a 400-acre site plan for a Bears stadium, positioned just east of Burr Street, not far from Hard Rock Northern Indiana.