PITTSBURGH -- On Friday, the site of Pittsburgh's North Shore Casino officially changed hands as the operating license was presented moments ago to Chicago developer Neil Bluhm.

The new ownership group, led by Bluhm, will officially take control of the North Shore Casino project.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board transferred the gaming license to Bluhm and his ownership group after original license holder Don Barden ran into financial trouble.

Bluhm's company has joined with Barden to take over financing of the project and ensure the completion of the facility.

And this is not Bluhm's first venture into the gambling arena.

His company already oversees Fallsview Casino Resort in Ontario, the Riverwalk Casino and Hotel in Vicksburg, Miss., and the Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia.