Las Vegas group interested in Creative Casinos, Inc.

Creative Casino's Mojito Pointe project is taking on new ownership that plans to super-size the casino-resort development. Las Vegas-based Ameristar Casino, Inc. are set to acquire Creative Casinos, LLC for $32,500,000 and pick up where they left off with the proposed Mojito Pointe project.

"Well it's a great opportunity for growth. This definitely is an under-served market," said Troy Stremming, Ameristar Sr. VP of Government and Public Affairs.

Ameristar is looking to be the next premier gaming operator in Southwest Louisiana. The acquisition hinged on the approval of the Lake Charles Port Authority and the Louisiana Gaming Board. At a special Port Board meeting Wednesday night Ameristar had no problem getting the unanimous approval. With that support they are set to go before the Gaming Control Board on Thursday.

The mastermind behind Mojito Pointe, Creative Casinos CEO Dan Lee, said it was hard to walk away but that his decision to sell was the right one.

"I really like the Lake Charles market and think it deserves a first-class facility. I couldn't afford to build what was needed, "said Lee. "Basically we were going to incur $125,000,000 in interest fees during construction. Ameristar has a great credit facility that's much cheaper with only about $25,000,000 of interest during construction and that allows them to build it for the same price and build a bigger and better project."

The project includes several additions from the original proposal: 400 rooms will now go to 700, including 70 suites. They are also proposing a larger parking garage with at least 1,000 spaces and a parking lot to accommodate 2,000. They'll also have their own 18-hole golf course separate from L'auberge.

"Having two golf courses will be a nice option for patrons. It will really make us a destination for this region," said Stremming.

They say with the upgrades there will be a minimum investment of $500,000,000. As for the original Mojito Pointe theme, Stremming said the name and plan are subject to change.

"We want to make certain that is what the local community would like to see. We do not have a cookie cutter concept that we go into each market. We want to better understand the local culture and give them something here in the community that fits well and something that they will be very proud of," explained Stremming.

With the acquisition Ameristar will take on all commitments made by Creative Casinos and keep the same two-year construction timeline. According to Stremming they hope to break ground July 20th.

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Las Vegas group interested in Creative Casinos, Inc.