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A little more than three years after re-opening, the Prospector Casino on Smelter Avenue in Great Falls is closing its doors.

Owner Jack Barnes says he's been in bankruptcy for about a year and it's just not financially possible to remain open.

Barnes has been in business at the corner of Smelter Ave and 10th Street for 41 years.

Along with his parents, he originally opened the Red Barn in 1971, using 50 head of cattle to start the business.

The Red Barn hosted big name live musical acts including Heart and Van Halen, before becoming the Prospector in 1987.

The building was completely destroyed in a 2007 fire; it was re-built and re-opened in 2008.

Barnes believes the economy, road construction, and the smoking ban played a role in the Prospector's financial problems

He tells KRTV he'll now be looking for work at the age of 62.

Barnes says a few offers have been made to buy the property, but nothing that he considers a serious offer..

The Prospector closes for good at 2 a.m. on Sunday, February 19th.