INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WTVB) – A controversial proposal to relocate a struggling southern Indiana casino license narrowly survived its first major fiscal hurdle on Tuesday.
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee advanced House Bill 1038 by a slim 10-8 vote, following a hearing that was delayed by winter weather. The legislation seeks to move the license currently held by the Rising Star Casino in Ohio County along the Ohio River to a more lucrative market in northern or eastern Indiana, specifically targeting Allen, Steuben, DeKalb or Wayne counties.
As part of the advancement, the committee adopted an amendment to redirect 10% of local casino tax revenue to a regional redevelopment authority rather than solely to the host city or county.
While the bill has drawn support from Fort Wayne and more specific Steuben County leaders eager for the estimated $500 million in development investment, it continues to face significant opposition from lawmakers wary of expanding the state’s gambling footprint.
Steuben County is considering a casino site near the I-69 and Indiana Toll Road interchange just across the Michigan State Line .
The bill now heads to the full House floor for a second reading.
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