Cleveland Press

Monday night marked an important moment in Cleveland history. The Horseshoe Casino Cleveland finally opened its doors to the public at 9:30 p.m. A crowd totaling around 4,000 waited for hours outside to get their glimpse at the much anticipated casino. Not only is the casino a new hangout for gambling lovers, but it also signals a new era for downtown Cleveland. Move over Pittsburgh - downtown Cleveland is the new comeback city.

The city allowed visitors to start lining up at 5 p.m. A line of eager gamblers traveled down Ontario Street and West Prospect Avenue. A fortunate 1,500 people received priority wristbands thanks to an online contest. However, not all wristbands were claimed so the remaining ones were passed out to folks waiting in line.

Many sports stars made an appearance including the Cleveland Browns’ Josh Cribbs and Joe Haden and former Cavaliers players Austin Carr and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. One thousand VIPs were also invited and they mingled in their own reception tent on Public Square.

Casino officials deliberately opened on a Monday to prevent too large of a turnout. They wanted to keep a balanced environment so new dealers had a chance to learn the ropes. The casino has 1,600 employees, 2,100 slot machines, 64 gaming tables and 30 poker tables.

It’s hoped the casino will give a boost to many downtown businesses like restaurants, bars and hotels. Downtown hotels flourished opening night. Some were sold out and many others were 90 percent occupied. Entertainment districts like the Warehouse District and East 4^th Street will undoubtedly prosper with an estimated 13,000 casino visitors a day heading downtown.

Caesars Entertainment, which manages the casino, has promised to market Cleveland as a must-see destination to the 40 million enrolled in its Total Rewards customer-loyalty program.

Remember ten years ago when you visited downtown Cleveland and envisioned tumbleweeds blowing down Ontario Street on a Saturday afternoon? Between the new casino and the soon to be opening medical mart and convention center, downtown Cleveland is about to become a notorious and celebrated destination.

An important day in Ohio history is nearing. The Horseshoe Casino Cleveland will officially open to the public at 9:30 pm on Monday. 1,500 winners of a Facebook contest received wristbands allowing them to be the first to enter. Visitors are not allowed to line up until 5 p.m.

The city and casino officials aren’t sure what to expect, but are bracing for huge crowds based on casino openings in other states. Police have been assigned to 14 nearby intersections to help prevent gridlock. Traffic officers will stay downtown for a minimum of six days. It’s hoped that some patrons will use public buses and trains since they go directly to Tower City and Public Square.

Two days after the opening, the Indians start an eight-game stretch at Progressive Field. Traffic and parking might cause headaches during Cleveland sporting events, concerts, etc. at The Q and Progressive Field.

It’s guessed that 5 million visitors, roughly 13,000 per day, will visit the Horseshoe Casino annually.

Dan Gilbert, owner of Rock Ohio Caesars, warned guests that his dealers might still be a little rusty. Gilbert intentionally hired most employees from the Northeast Ohio area, but most are rookies. He reminded players to stay patient and understand that they will get better with a little experience.

Workers had their first real experience during an eight-hour test run Thursday. A crowd of 1,800 were invited to visit and test out the new casino. The lucky gamblers were primarily friends and relatives of the employees. The patrons were able to hang on to their winnings, but the casino had to give 33 percent of the revenue to the state and the rest to charity. The remaining profits went to the Greater Cleveland United Way, the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute and Cuyahoga Community College.