Indiana casino relocation bill advances — with some concerns — after Senate committee rewrite
An amended Indiana bill allowing a Fort Wayne casino without Rising Star's closure advanced, despite concerns about siting and fiscal impacts.Summary
A heavily amended casino relocation proposal, House Bill 1038, has advanced from the Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee, sparking debate over the location of a new casino and the decision-making process. The bill allows for a new casino in the Fort Wayne area without requiring the closure of the Rising Star Casino in southeastern Indiana, a key change from previous iterations. Several senators expressed conditional support, citing concerns about casino siting decisions and potential fiscal impacts. The amended bill also broadens eligibility for the new license to any U.S. casino operator and establishes a $150 million license fee, with $50 million dedicated to a 'distressed casino fund' to support local governments if a casino closes. Debate centered on excluding Wayne and Marion Counties from consideration, with some lawmakers arguing for maximizing state revenue and allowing free-market competition. Local referendums were removed from the bill, relying instead on county commissioner approval. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.
(Source：Wlfi News 18)