INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WTVB) – The Indiana Senate is set to consider a major gaming overhaul after the House of Representatives voted 67-30 Monday to pass House Bill 1038, a measure that could relocate an existing casino license to a new county.
The legislation specifically targets the relocation of the Rising Star Casino from the Ohio River city of Rising Sun to one of four potential northern counties: Allen, DeKalb, Steuben, or Wayne.
Supporters, including Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker, argue the move would modernize license placement and boost state tax revenue, though the bill must still win Senate approval before the legislative session adjourns in late February.
Under the current proposal, a winning developer would be required to pay a relocation fee of $50 million and invest at least $500 million into the new site.
To mitigate the economic impact on the original host community, the bill includes a provision for the new operator to pay $30 million in compensation to Rising Sun and Ohio County.
While the House version allows for a local voter referendum, it does not strictly mandate one, a point that may face further debate and potential amendments as it moves through Senate committees.
Comments