HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) Construction of a new $485 million Horseshoe Casino is ahead of schedule and it will open in late summer instead of early fall, a spokesman said.

The full-time payroll at the casino is expected to jump from around 2,300 employees to 2,700 when the new facility opens, said Rick Mazer, Indiana regional president and general manager of Horseshoe Casino Hammond.

The project includes new gaming rooms, restaurants and a theater designed to draw Las Vegas-style entertainment to the region, Mazer said.

Mayor Tom McDermott said this major construction project represents a significant commitment by Harrah’s Corp. to the city.

The Hammond Marina, which closed last year because of the casino construction, will reopen on May 1.

“There’s going to be a lot more visitors to the Hammond marina. I think this is going to be a total success,” McDermott said.

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