The Fort Wayne casino bill has progressed by receiving approval from the Senate Public Policy Committee, although a different house bill did not lead to any action.
The Relocation Is Inching Closer to Reality
Indiana legislators have long considered introducing a casino to northeast Indiana. Consequently, proponents have proposed several bills, some advocating for relocating an existing state casino and others for establishing a new casino license.
On Tuesday, the Senate Public Policy Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 70, which would permit the relocation of the Ohio County casino license to Fort Wayne, Allen County. The bill will now proceed to the Indiana House for further discussion when it reconvenes in January.
Senate Bill 70 was introduced by Sen. Justin Busch, R-Fort Wayne, who has championed the relocation effort. Key reasons for moving the Rising Star Casino from Ohio County to Allen County include declining revenues due to competition in Ohio and Kentucky, and Fort Wayne’s potential as a major gaming hub, being Indiana’s second-largest city.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker has also supported the relocation, seeing it as a significant opportunity for the city.
Full House Resorts, which operates the Rising Star Casino, has been in favor of the move. The company supported a similar effort last year, which did not pass.
If SB 70 is enacted, Full House must pay $25 million for the relocation and commit to investing $500 million in non-gaming facilities in Allen County.
Some Proposed Introducing a New License Instead
Last week, a different bill aimed at establishing a 14th casino license gained momentum, though no vote was held. House Bill 1038 intended to introduce a new license to Indiana, rather than moving an existing one. It suggested awarding the new license through a competitive bidding process, with a minimum licensing fee of $50 million.
Many such proposals have focused on Fort Wayne after studies indicated it could be the best location. Although Indianapolis was identified as the top potential revenue site, experts cautioned that a casino there could reduce revenues for the Shelbyville and Anderson casinos.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com