The plan to relocate an Indiana casino has been shelved.
After nearly two hours of public testimony at the Indiana Statehouse for and against the proposal, Senator Ron Alting, the chair of the Public Policy Committee, decided not to advance the plan.
Senate Bill 293 aimed to move The Rising Star casino license from Rising Sun (on the Ohio River) to New Haven, near Fort Wayne, about 160 miles north.
The relocation would only occur if operators met conditions like getting approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission and creating redevelopment plans for the now-vacant site in Ohio County.
Due to strong opposition, Alting chose to withdraw the bill and announced he will not bring it to a vote this year.
Relocation Proposed To Generate More Revenue
Senator Andy Zay proposed SB293 in the Indiana General Assembly because The Rising Star is one of the state’s lowest-performing casinos. During the 2024 fiscal year, Rising Star earned less than $4 million each month.
Experts believe this amount could increase fourfold if the casino moves to New Haven. A recent economic study predicted that the casino could generate over $80 million in annual tax revenue and create more than 2,400 new jobs.
Full House Resorts, the Las Vegas company that wants to build the New Haven casino, shared conceptual drawings in November.
Casino Relocation Plan Faced Strong Pushback
People both for and against the casino relocation plan made their way to Indianapolis to express their views.
Members of a group that calls itself “Coalition for a Better Allen County” were at the state capital to speak to legislators. "I believe it really makes a difference for legislators to see that ordinary people are willing to come and make this effort because it matters," Kristen Bissontz told 21 Alive News.
They are not convinced by the promised financial benefits and worry that it could affect New Haven’s culture. The city is home to fewer than 16,000 residents. Some people have also expressed concerns about possible corruption, increased crime, and lower property values.
Not Enough Support for the Move
There are people who want to make this move happen. Casino supporters also headed to the statehouse. The “All in on New Haven” movement collected nearly 3,000 signatures.
Almost one hundred supporters took a bus to the capital. Some expressed their hopes that the casino would bring much-needed growth and investment to their small city. But it ultimately wasn’t enough.
What’s Next for Indiana Casino Relocation Bill?
Senate leaders might move the bill to another committee if they decide to keep it alive. Additionally, gaming bills in the House are progressing, and new language could be included in them.
During testimony at the statehouse, a speaker emphasized that brick-and-mortar casinos are seen as outdated, especially because Indiana may legalize online casinos this year.
A House panel just approved a bill that would add Indiana to the states that allow legalized iGaming, and let Hoosiers gamble from anywhere using their electronic devices. This suggests that while the relocation plan is on hold, the path to online casinos is becoming clearer.
