A proposal to establish a new Indiana casino is facing hurdles in the state Senate. On Wednesday, the Senate’s Public Policy Committee reviewed major changes to a House-approved bill that would transfer the licence from Rising Sun, a struggling Ohio River casino.​

The committee advanced House Bill 1038 on 2 February by a 67–30 vote, sending it to another Senate panel without adopting amendments. Chair Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) suggested alternatives, including issuing a new licence rather than transferring Rising Sun’s.​

The bill, authored by Rep. Craig Snow and co-authored by Reps. Brad Barret, Tony Isa, and Philip GiaQuinta, are sponsored in the Senate by Justin Busch, Ryan Mishler, Chris Garten, and Randy Maxell.​
 

Proposed changes​

Lawmakers are considering revisions that would limit potential casino sites to Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties, while removing Wayne County from eligibility. The measure would also require local referendums before a county could host a casino.​

Alting emphasised that negotiations remain fluid, with Senate Republican leaders continuing deliberations. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which faces a 19 February deadline to advance it to the full chamber. Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray has signalled openness to debate, noting that interest is building within his caucus, though amendments remain pending.​
 

Community support and opposition​

Wayne County leaders, including Chamber of Commerce president Melissa Vance, strongly support the proposal. A state-commissioned study last October ranked Richmond as the third most promising casino site, behind Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.​

As quoted in the local media outlet, the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Vance said there is a coalition of people that are all aligned, signalling the passion and the interest in the new casino.​

 

 

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