the place is a diamond,” said Larry Vormbrock, a retiree from Taylorsville, Ky., who has already visited the new casino several times. “It’s a little bit still in the rough, but when West Baden opens up, it will be a dream place to visit — one of those must-see places.”

THE French Lick Resort Casino also features eight new restaurants, designer shops, a bowling alley, a video game arcade and a swimming pool complete with four life-size dolphin statues spitting water. (The casino, oddly, is built in the shape of a riverboat and is surrounded by a moat, which somehow meets the letter of a 1993 state law allowing gambling on only riverboats.)

Mr. Vormbrock was honored as the winner of the first dollar paid out by The casino, at its grand opening in November.

“They really are to be complimented for hiring the friendliest staff I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I only live seven miles from the Caesars Indiana casino. But this is worth driving the extra 52 miles.”

French Lick Returns to Its Sin City Roots

Lobby of one of the two historic hotels (not sure which one) at French Lick resort

French Lick resort, French Lick, Indiana

It's hard to imagine a place this beauitful in the middle of a National Forest.This resort belongs in Vegas.Our meal at the resorts steak house was probably the best meal I've ever had, crab cakes, 10oz. filet along with lobster tail and baked potato. When you arrive at the resort it's like stepping back in time . We absolutely loved the place.