Fitzgeralds buyer OK’d by gaming board

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001 | 9:46 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Detroit businessman Don Barden is one step away from acquiring Fitzgeralds hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas and becoming the first black business person to wholly own a major Nevada gaming resort.

The state Gaming Commission meets today to give final approval to Barden buying the casino and Fitzgerald properties in Mississippi and Colorado out of the bankruptcy court for $149 million.

The state Gaming Control Board, at a special meeting Wednesday, unanimously recommended approval for Barden, who operates the Majestic Star Riverboat Casino in Gary,Ind.

Board members said Barden did not have any major regulatory problems.

After the vote, black leaders hailed the move. Gene Collins, president of the NAACP in Las Vegas, told the gaming board it is not often that black business enterprises come to Las Vegas and invest money. "It's a historical feat," Collins said.

Stan Washington, a community activist in Las Vegas, called it a "very good day," and he hoped that Barden would look at starting developments in West Las Vegas.

Barden intends to be involved in community activities as he is in his other business locations.

Frank Schreck, attorney for Barden, said if the application is finally approved he would be the first black person to wholly own a major casino in Nevada.

Barden also is acquiring the gaming properties in Tunica, Miss., and Black Hawk, Colo., in the deal. He has already received approval from Mississippi authorities and final approval can come today from Nevada and Colorado regulators.

There will be no wholesale firing or layoffs at Fitzgeralds, and all present employees will be offered first-day employment under the new ownership.

Barden, who is board chairman, president, treasurer, secretary and sole shareholder of Barden Development, Inc., in Detroit, plans to invest $2 million a year to improve Fitzgeralds, which has suffered financially in recent years.

Barden also is exploring a number of new marketing ideas to revive the property.