Hard Rock Casino Proposal: Create Land

A proposed Hard Rock Casino in Lake Charles would be built partly on land that doesn't yet exist.

St. Gabriel Downs LLC is one of three applicants for Louisiana's 15th and last gambling license. The American Press reports that its plan calls for filling in about 12 acres of land in the lake, at a cost of more than $7 million.

Mayor Randy Roach says the land would belong to the city.

The City Council voted 7-0 Wednesday to let the administration negotiate a deal with St. Gabriel Downs.

Creative Casinos LLC also wants to operate in Lake Charles; Penn National Gaming Inc. is proposing a New Orleans-area casino.

A fourth applicant, Tomorrows Investors of Lake Charles, was disqualified in October because it didn't include a $50,000 fee with its application in September.