Indiana’s long-running debate over bringing a casino to the state’s northeast region took a major step forward this week, as the Senate Public Policy Committee unanimously approved a proposal to move the Rising Star Casino licence from Ohio County to Fort Wayne or Allen County. The 8–0 vote advances Senate Bill 70 and keeps the relocation effort alive heading into the legislative session in January, while a competing House measure to create a new casino licence stalled.
For years, officials have debated whether Fort Wayne and the surrounding region could support a casino without harming existing properties. The latest committee vote keeps the proposal alive as lawmakers reconvene in January, while a competing measure, House Bill 1038, which sought to create a new 14th casino licence through competitive bidding, failed to advance.
Senate Bill 70 would transfer the Ohio County casino licence to Allen County, including Fort Wayne, allowing development of a land‑based casino in Indiana’s second‑largest city. The measure repositions an existing licence rather than increasing the number of casinos statewide.
As outlined publicly, the operator would pay a $25 million relocation fee to the state and invest at least $500 million in non‑gaming facilities in Allen County. Provisions have been discussed to help Ohio County manage the economic impact if Rising Star Casino relocates. Lawmakers are expected to refine these measures as the bill progresses.
On 9 December 2025, the Senate Public Policy Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 70 (SB 70), sending it to the full Senate and setting up a possible House debate in January. While committee approval does not ensure final passage, it indicates bipartisan support and keeps the relocation proposal active. Senator Justin Busch (R‑Fort Wayne), who authored SB 70, has led the relocation effort, presenting it as a way to align state gaming infrastructure with population centres. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker has also supported the measure, citing its potential impact on the city.
Now, when lawmakers return in January 2026, the bill is expected to face Senate floor action and House committee review, with expansion proposals possibly resurfacing but relocation remaining the primary option. If the bill passes, the operator will still need to secure local approvals, finalise site selection, conduct environmental and traffic studies, complete design work and arrange financing before construction could begin.
House Bill 1038 proposed creating a new, 14th casino licence for Allen County through a competitive bidding process, with a minimum $50 million licence fee. The bill did not receive a committee vote, leaving relocation as the current option under consideration.
Issuing a new licence involves broader policy concerns, including possible market disruption, effects on horse racing purses if spending shifts from racinos, and fairness questions for regions without casino access. These factors are why legislators often prefer relocation studies before considering expansion.
An Indiana Gaming Commission study by Spectrum Gaming Group identified two possible areas for a relocated casino licence: downtown Indianapolis and the Fort Wayne/Auburn corridor. Indianapolis showed the highest revenue potential and tax receipts but carried greater risks of drawing business away from existing racinos. Northeast Indiana presented a less saturated market with lower in‑state cannibalisation.
Indiana directs 12 percent of adjusted gross revenue from racinos to horse racing. A relocation to Indianapolis could reduce those funds, affecting purses and breeding programmes. Northeast Indiana would have a smaller impact, which has made Fort Wayne a more attractive option for some legislators.
The study also noted competition from casinos in Ohio and Michigan. The Fort Wayne/Northeast Indiana area was seen as having unmet demand and fewer in‑state competitors, suggesting a relocated licence there could capture revenue without affecting existing Indiana properties.
If SB 70 is approved, the project would create construction jobs, a permanent workforce and new hospitality options, including hotels, restaurants and event space. The proposed $500 million in non‑gaming investment is intended to support wider tourism and conference activity in the region.
The $500 million commitment could include hotels, a convention centre, live‑music venues, restaurants, family attractions and public spaces. Operators are expected to phase development, opening core facilities first and expanding as demand grows.
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