Indy Casino Study Bill Progresses, Now Headed to Governor Mike Braun for Approval
April 30, 2025
10:43am (Posted) | 10:47am (Last Updated)
Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Tackles Scene | Asia Pacific Gaming | Commercial Gaming | Legislation | Politics
Indiana Lawmakers Get the Ball Rolling on Casino Relocation
The Hoosier State aims to shake things up in the gaming industry by exploring untapped markets for potential casino relocations, in a bid to boost revenues, create jobs, and inject much-needed investment into the state.
Senate Bill 43, sponsored by Sens. Andy Zay (R-Huntington), Ron Alting (R-Lafayette), and Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago), is set to kickstart a study focusing on the top two regions in Indiana where a casino could relocate, benefiting from high-growth potential.
Sen. Zay highlighted the oversaturated casino market in the southeastern corner of the state, where competition has left some casinos struggling. He believes that relocating one of the existing casinos to the underdeveloped northeastern region would invigorate the local economy and drive development in the area.
Rising Star Casino Makes a Move
Following the collapse of Senate Bill 293 in March, which would have allowed Full House Resorts to shift its gambling concessions from Rising Sun to New Haven, Sen. Zay has reintroduced the idea of relocation with Senate Bill 43. The new bill calls for a $150 million fee and a $50 million penalty if the company decides to sell the new property within five years of its opening.
If the legislation passes, the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) has already begun the search for an independent research firm to conduct the study mandated by SB43.
Study Components
The chosen research firm is tasked with projecting annual gaming and subsequent tax revenues for the two identified regions lacking casino facilities. In addition, the study must address questions such as the impact on current casino properties, out-of-state visitor patronage, the horse racing industry, tourism, and the implications for tribal casinos.
Importantly, the study will also evaluate how the relocation of casinos to these areas would impact the tourism industry and how their gaming operations might affect tribal casinos, ensuring a balanced approach. The report is scheduled for delivery to the IGC by November 1, 2025.
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Key Insights
- The proposed legislation is focused on identifying untapped markets for relocating a casino, primarily in the northeastern region of Indiana, to boost economic development and job creation.
- The initiative addresses the oversaturated casino market in the southeastern corner of the state, where increased competition has led to financial struggles for some operators.
- The Indiana Gaming Commission has already started the search for a research firm to carry out the casino market study, once Senate Bill 43 receives Governor Braun's signature.
Study Focus Areas
- Analyzing the potential financial gains and tax revenues generated by the relocated casinos.
- Examining the impact on current casinos, out-of-state visitors, and the horse racing industry.
- Assessing the consequences for the tourism industry and tribal casinos in the northeastern region.
- With Senate Bill 43, Indiana lawmakers aim to revitalize the gaming industry by exploring potential casino relocations towards untapped markets, particularly in the northeastern region.
- Otterbein, Fort Wayne, and other spots in northeastern Indiana have been identified as prime locations for casino relocation, with the intention to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
- The collapse of Senate Bill 293 prompted Sen. Zay to reintroduce the concept of casino relocation in Senate Bill 43, mandating a $150 million fee and a $50 million penalty if a company decides to sell the relocated property before five years.
- Full House Resorts, currently operating the Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, could potentially move to New Haven, subject to the passing of Senate Bill 43 and the associated conditions.
- The rising star of casino politics in Indiana, Sen. Zay, believes that moving an existing casino to the underdeveloped northeastern region will rejuvenate the local economy and initiate development.
- If approved, the report from the chosen research firm will predict annual gaming and subsequent tax revenues for the proposed casino locations, analyzing their potential impact on tourism, the horse racing industry, and tribal casinos.
- The drafted legislation requires the study to assess the implications of new casinos in the northeast on the tourism industry, out-of-state visitors, and existing casino properties, including those in the oversaturated southeastern corner.
- The relocation of casinos to these regions may result in a rising sun for economic development in Indiana, as everyone eagerly awaits the conclusion of the study and the deliberation of lawmakers come 2025.