Larry Flynt buys troubled Normandie Casino

Adult entertainment mogul Larry Flynt, who already owns Gardena’s largest gambling establishment, has purchased the Normandie Casino in Gardena for an undisclosed price, according to state gambling authorities.

The deal was unanimously approved by the state Gambling Control Commission during its Thursday meeting. The Normandie will be renamed Larry Flynt’s Lucky Lady Casino when Flynt takes over the operation at a future date.

A sale had been expected ever since state officials voted earlier this year to revoke the gambling licenses of several members of the Miller family, which has owned the Normandie since 1947. The Millers pleaded guilty to shielding several high rollers from federal reporting requirements and violating the Bank Secrecy Act.

The Millers had 120 days to find a buyer or face closing their business, and Flynt already operates the Hustler Casino, which is located about two miles from the Normandie.

The Hustler opened in 2000 and is often more crowded than the Normandie. It’s unclear what effect the Hustler had on its rival; both casinos must contribute 12% of their monthly gross revenues to the city of Gardena.

City officials would not say how much each casino paid individually, but a recent report noted that “the Normandie Club has continued to struggle financially, with some periods of recovery.”

Neither Flynt nor members of the Miller family could be reached for comment.

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UPDATES:

2:05 p.m.: This article was updated with details of the sale.

This article was originally published at 6 a.m.