The explanation was laid out in a letter to the Indiana Gaming Commission. The Las Vegas-based gaming behemoth formerly known as Park Place Entertainment said another factor in the decision was its conclusion that heretofore anticipated cost savings from combining some operations with its larger property, Caesars Indiana, located about 45 miles away, would not be achievable.

Meanwhile, three other operators remain interested in operating a casino in one of the poorest counties in the state. They include Tranchant Indiana, a group that is affiliated with Groupe Tranchant, a French company that operates 20 casinos in France and four in other countries; Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts, and; a group led by Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird.

Earlier this month, state gaming regulators said they will give county officials three weeks this spring to negotiate directly with the companies vying for the state's final casino license. The Indiana Gaming Commission's temporary lifting of its prohibition on direct negotiations with prospective casino operators--designed to prevent any potential conflicts or appearances of impropriety--will allow members of a local commission to discuss job projections, development plans and other items integral to winning the casino license.

The gaming commission is expected to hold a public hearing in July to allow the four companies to publicly lay out their plans, similar to the hearings held during the licensing of Indiana's other riverboats. Two weeks after the hearing, the commission will meet and vote to award the 20-year contract to one of the applicants.

While Caesars has closed the door on Orange County, it recently walked through one in Southern California, announcing a deal with the Pauma-Yuima Band of Mission Indians for a new casino in Northern San Diego County. As well, a company source tells GlobeSt.com the company is in the running for Illinois' 10th gaming license and there are ongoing discussions political leaders in Minnesota for a casino at the Mall of America. And that's just what's already been made public. Other deals likely will be announced soon, says the source, both in the US and abroad.

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With Second Indiana Casino in the Pot, Caesars Folds

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