Harrah’s Metropolis and Caesars Shut Down Because of Flooding

Caesars Entertainment-operated riverboat casino Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino has been forced to shut its doors after floodwaters from the Ohio River began to rise dangerously high over the weekend. 

Similarly, Caesars Southern Indiana in Elizabeth, south of Louisville, also closed its doors because of the flooding on Tuesday afternoon.

Closed Until Further Notice

The modern gambling hub and hotel located in Southern Illinois, just a short eight-minute walk from downtown Metropolis, officially closed its doors to the public on Sunday, April 6, at 5 p.m. and has remained closed ever since.

The decision came as a result of ongoing flooding in the region, which has impacted parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. 

The casino is located directly along the river and has a history of being impacted during severe weather events. 

Hotel guests with reservations were contacted and informed their stays could not be accommodated.

The company also announced that the closure will remain in effect “until further notice” as a means of protecting both guests and staff.

Ohio River Expected to Peak on April 16

Currently, the National Weather Service has issued a Moderate Flood Warning for the area, with the Ohio River measured at 45.75 feet at the Paducah gauge, which was well above the 32-foot action stage and the 39-foot threshold for minor flooding. 

Moderate flooding begins at 43 feet, and major flooding is declared at 52 feet. The river is expected to peak at 50.5 feet on Wednesday, April 16, according to the National Water Prediction Service.

A flood warning for the Metropolis area remains in effect through at least Wednesday, April 9, at 1 a.m. CDT, with potential for an extension.

Floodwaters from extended rain across the South and Midwest inundated a large number of communities and took at least two dozen lives in the past week. 

Kentucky River crested in the state capital of Frankfort at the start of the week.

Harrah’s has confirmed the closure on its website, where it mentioned the rising water levels on the Ohio River as the main culprit for the temporary closing of the gambling venue. “We look forward to reopening when it is safe to do so,” the statement further said.

Automatically, both of the property’s restaurants, the Riverfront Grill and Bridges Dining Company were forced to shut down as well. 

Harrah’s Metropolis, originally opened in 1993 as Players Island, transitioned to a land-based gaming space in 2015 after Illinois regulations allowed the move. 

The venue now houses over 600 slot machines, 24 table games, and multiple sports betting options.

At the start of the month, Caesars Entertainment announced the launch of a second live studio to meet the rising demand for live casino games.