After years of delays and millions of dollars in penalties, Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas has finally announced that they will be moving forward with plans to build a long-shelved hotel on their property. The decision comes after the casino paid out over $2.4 million in fines for failing to meet deadlines set by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.
The hotel project, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, will feature over 300 luxury rooms, a spa, multiple restaurants, and a conference center. The addition of the hotel is expected to bring in a significant increase in revenue for the casino and create hundreds of new jobs in the Kansas City area.
“We are thrilled to finally be moving forward with our hotel project,” said Hollywood Casino spokesperson, Jennifer Johnson. “We believe that this addition will not only enhance the overall experience for our guests, but also have a positive impact on the local economy.”
The decision to move forward with the hotel comes after years of setbacks and legal battles. Hollywood Casino was originally granted a gaming license in 2007, with plans to build a hotel on site. However, construction was continuously delayed due to issues with financing and disagreements with local government officials.
In 2015, the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission issued a $500,000 fine against Hollywood Casino for failing to meet construction deadlines. Over the next several years, the casino incurred additional fines totaling over $2 million, as they continued to miss deadlines and fail to make progress on the project.
Despite these setbacks, Hollywood Casino remained committed to the hotel project and continued to work towards its completion. Now, with construction set to begin in the coming months, the casino is optimistic about the future.
“We are dedicated to providing our guests with the best possible experience, and we believe that the addition of a hotel will further enhance that experience,” said Johnson. “We are excited to finally see this project come to fruition and look forward to welcoming guests to our new luxury accommodations.”
Construction on the hotel is expected to begin later this year, with a projected opening date set for the following year. In the meantime, Hollywood Casino is planning a series of promotional events and special offers to celebrate the announcement and generate excitement among their patrons.
Overall, the decision to move forward with the long-shelved hotel project represents a significant step forward for Hollywood Casino and the Kansas City area. With the promise of increased revenue, job growth, and a boost to the local economy, this development is sure to have a lasting impact on the region for years to come.