CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. — A $30 million deal is in the works to buy one of the most prominent casinos in Cripple Creek. Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts is planning to buy Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel, which is the last of the original casinos in Cripple Creek still locally owned.
Owner and General Manager Marc Murphy said he's staying on as general manager after the purchase, along with the management staff and employees. Murphy said shareholders have been thinking about selling the casino and hotel for years.
Full House Resort president Daniel Lee said he does not expect any major changes.
Lois Woods opened up the Rocky Mountain Canary General Store in 1972 with her husband, and they were there when gaming was approved in Cripple Creek in 1991.
Woods said the casinos brought in more people and revenues, made Cripple Creek a year-round destination and created jobs in the mountain town.
Many small local casinos closed down or were bought out by bigger companies as they struggled to comply with gaming regulations and fines.
"It's probably good to have bigger, experienced operators as far as making it financially," said Woods.
Some residents said they would like the casino to remain under local ownership, KOAA-TV reported.
Full House is expected to complete the purchase in the next four to six months.
