INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WTVB) – The Indiana State Senate is set for a final vote today on House Bill 1038, a measure that could pave the way for a casino in northeast Indiana.
This follows the Senate’s approval of a heavily amended version of the bill on Monday, which specifically targets Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties as potential sites for a new gaming facility. While the legislation originally focused on relocating an underperforming license from the Ohio River, the latest amendment allows for the creation of a new license from an unused horse-racing permit, ensuring the Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun can remain in operation in Southeast Indiana.
Steuben County officials have aggressively lobbied for a seat at the table, highlighting the county’s strategic location at the intersection of I-69 and the Indiana Toll Road, often called the “Golden Crucifix” as an ideal spot to capture gaming revenue from neighboring Michigan and Ohio.
If the bill passes its final reading today, any prospective developer would be required to pay a $150 million application fee and commit to a minimum $500 million investment in the region.
Despite the momentum, some lawmakers continue to push for a mandatory voter referendum to ensure local residents have the final say before any chips are cashed in.
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