A plan to relocate a Indiana casino is gaining momentum, attracting attention and gathering supporters along the way.
Senator Andy Zay from Huntington has officially proposed a bill in the Indiana General Assembly. Senate Bill 293 would let Full House Resorts move its gaming license from Rising Sun to New Haven and create a commission to manage the tax revenue from the casino.
The company is from Las Vegas and wants to build a $500 million casino and hotel in New Haven on land near the I-469 and U.S. 30 interchange.
What Does Senate Bill 293 Call For?
The bill does more than change the look of the map of Indiana casinos. Here’s a breakdown of what else Senator Zay’s bill proposes.
Investment Requirements for Casino Developer:
- The developer must invest a minimum of $500 million.
- At least 50% of the investment must be in the project's first phase.
- The remaining funds must be invested within five years of starting gaming operations.
Together for Tomorrow Commission:
- The bill creates the Together for Tomorrow Commission to collaboratively decide how to use tax revenue from the New Haven casino.
- Members of the commission include:
- The mayors of New Haven and Fort Wayne.
- The president of the New Haven City Council.
- One member of the Allen County Board of Commissioners.
Tax Revenue Allocation:
- At least 20% of New Haven's tax revenue must be allocated to provide property tax relief for local homeowners.
- At least 3% of taxes collected each quarter must go into the Together for Tomorrow Fund.
Together for Tomorrow Fund Uses:
- The fund may support:
- Public health initiatives.
- Addiction and recovery services.
- Homelessness and related services.
- Public safety.
- Other purposes deemed appropriate by the commission.
The bill requires the license owner to collaborate with the city of Rising Sun and the Indiana Economic Development Corp to redevelop the current casino site. The goal is to ensure the redevelopment serves the best interests of the local community.
Why Move Rising Sun Casino to New Haven?
Rising Sun is one of the state’s lowest-performing casinos.
During the 2024 fiscal year, Rising Star brought in under $4 million each month. Experts estimate that this amount could quadruple if the casino relocates to New Haven.
A recent economic study predicted that the casino could generate more than $80 million in annual tax revenue and create over 2,400 new jobs.
A Move in the Making Since August
The proposed move first emerged in August of last year. In September, the company announced its intention to move its license to New Haven, but Full House and the city had been in discussions for several months by then.
In November, Full House Resorts shared conceptual drawings for the new casino, west of Doyle Road.
Casino With a Greenhouse and Farmland
The project showcases a modern industrial style with visible steel beams, old bricks, and big windows that let in plenty of natural light.
There's a greenhouse where you can grow local produce and enjoy meals. The menus will change each season to feature locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can join farm tours and try cooking classes too.
The event space has a food hall with small restaurants serving local meals, and in the casino, the gaming areas include lounges that offer views of the greenhouses.
In fact, the casino will be approximately 90,000 square feet with nearly 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games like poker and roulette.
The entire project is so big that it will be completed in two phases.
What’s Next for Proposed Indiana Casino Move?
The Indiana General Assembly must approve the casino's relocation. Zay supports the move, which is why he filed the bill. It's one of over 1,500 bills filed in Indiana this year.
Before a bill becomes a law, the Senate must hold a hearing where the public can comment. Then, they may add amendments and must take at least three votes. Afterward, they send the bill to the House of Representatives for consideration, where the same steps occur.
It’s just another facet of Indiana’s growing casino industry, which could include the legalization of online casinos in The Hoosier State soon.
Indiana casinos continue to be big business. With the introduction of this new bill, it appears that the wheels of relocation are in motion and they will have to move fast. The General Assembly session is scheduled to end April 29.
