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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Gaming Commission is investigating whether Indiana Live Casino broke any rules when it promoted appearances by celebrities Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, who failed to show up at the Shelbyville casino’s grand opening earlier this month.
The no-shows prompted speculation that the celebrity couple never intended to attend the March 13 event that attracted thousands of people and snarled traffic for miles on Interstate 74.
Ernie Yelton, director of the commission that licenses state casinos, said he is not accusing Indiana Live of any misconduct, but he wants to ensure the casino followed regulations.
“We’re not making any particular allegations with this statement, other than to know whether everything was done appropriately,” he said. “We require our licensees to conduct their business in a very appropriate manner.”
Yelton said he expects the “fact-finding mission” to be finished in a month. Indiana Live, if found to have violated commission rules, could be reprimanded, fined or even have its license suspended or revoked, Yelton said.
Questions have been raised as to whether Indiana Live ever expected the celebrities to attend. The casino didn’t make arrangements for extra security, logistics, transportation and other matters that are standard for such high-level celebrity appearances.
The no-shows led local public relations firm Coles Marketing Communications Inc. to terminate its contract with Indiana Live. Coles handled the press release touting the participation of Timberlake and Biel at the ribbon-cutting.
Timberlake’s publicist told The Indianapolis Star the performer never had planned to attend the event.
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