The Normandie Casino in Gardena, California has sat run down for some time, having opened in the 1940s and not been renovated in more than two decades. The casino was a sign of what used to be but still had potential to be great. Casino and adult entertainment mogul Larry Flynt saw the potential of the venue and decided to make the purchase when the owners of the Normandie Casino had to sell. The venue reopened this week as the Lucky Lady Casino and Flynt has plans to spend as much as $60 million to revitalize the gambling room.

Flynt acquired the Normandie Casino after the former owners pled guilty to money-laundering charges and had to off-load the property. In a phone interview with the Daily Breeze, Flynt stated that the casino had been neglected for decades and that is why business was terrible. As the new owner, Flynt plans on putting new signage in place and spending $400,000 in media programming to help boost traffic.

Since purchasing the property and putting his name on the venue, business has already increased. Flynt claims that the venue is already 20% busier than before, with several players who used to frequent the Normandie visiting the venue this past weekend. The gaming venue was closed for five days due to a fight with officials of Gardenia who wanted to see Flynt pay more in taxes than was originally expected.

Flynt was told that he would have to pay $800,000 a month in taxes for Lucky Lady and his Hustler casino venue, which Flynt felt was unfair. Flynt told officials that he would keep the venue closed until they did away with the new tax deal. After residents and employees of the venue spoke up, the City Council decided to not enforce their new rule.

The casino will remain open as Flynt makes changes, starting with the back portion of the venue where the high roller tables are located. The remodel will take place in phases and will include new flooring, wall coverings, gift shop, sandwich shop and more. Flynt also has plans to add retail stores as well as a hotel adjacent to the casino property.