Gaming Officials Tour North Shore Casino Site

Rumors recently raced through the halls of the Allegheny County courthouse that Keating Corporation, the main contractors of the Majestic Star Casino, was ready to shutdown Monday and go home because they weren't being paid, which could trigger a construction shut down.

Sanford Rivers, of the Gaming Commission, said, “What is happening is supposed to be happening so we're excited. We're excited exactly as long as construction is on-going there are no problems as far as we're concerned."

Rivers is one four members of the Gaming Control Board who toured the proposed Majestic Star site Thursday -- a trek, according to the board chairperson, to silence rumors that Don Barden is bankrupt.

Chairperson Mary Digiacomo-Collins said, “Mr. Bardens is involved in very serious, active negotiations and we're comfortable, for now, that he will come up with the necessary financing.

Gaming officials told Channel 11 they are encouraging the parties to keep talking to Barden to stay active. They feel Barden is an entrepreneur and is obviously very invested in this.

Previous Stories: June 25, 2008: Contractor Answers Questions About Casino Financing Concerns June 11, 2008: North Shore Casino Owner Summoned By Gaming Control Board May 21, 2008: North Shore Casino Receives Final Push Needed To Finish Construction April 23, 2008: Majestic Star Casino Surrounded By Financial Questions April 16, 2008: Pittsburgh Casino Financing Cost Jumps To $630 Million January 14, 2008: Pittsburgh Planning Commission Signs Off On New Casino