The current casino facility, a gaming vessel designed by Friedmutter Group beginning in 2006, was opened on August 8, 2008. In 2004, the corporation was sold to Harrah’s Entertainment (re-branded as Caesars Entertainment in 2010), who oversaw a 2-year construction of a new boat. After selling off the Joliet property in 2001, the Hammond property was re-branded as Horseshoe Casino Hammond on May 4, 2001. In 1999, the corporation acquired Empress Casinos, including both the Hammond property and another Empress Casino in Joliet, Illinois. Horseshoe Casino was originally opened as Empress Casino in 1996 as a 54,000-square-foot (5,000 m 2), four-level gaming vessel. Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corporation was established in 1993 as a private holding company mostly owned by Jack Binion. The complex offers live entertainment, restaurants, and activities in an easy to get to Indiana spot which is just outside the city of Chicago. Horseshoe Hammond Casino: Whether or not you gamble, consider Horseshoe Hammond Casino the next time you are looking for a fun escape for a day trip or an evening out.