A bill would consider allowing the state’s casinos to relocate to new districts
Indiana’s gambling industry could see major changes if lawmakers move forward with plans to relocate casinos to more profitable areas. While a full expansion of gaming is not on the table for 2025, a new proposal could allow existing casinos to move to regions with greater economic potential.
Senate Bill 43, introduced in January, calls for an independent study to determine the top three locations in the Hoosier State that could better support gaming operations. The bill, which recently passed the Senate with a 33-16 vote, would require the Indiana Gaming Commission to work with a market research firm to evaluate areas where casino relocation might boost state tax revenue. The proposal now heads to the House for further debate.
Many of Indiana’s casinos were originally placed along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan due to restrictions in the 1990s. At the time, neighboring states had limited gambling options, making Indiana’s riverboat casinos an attractive destination. However, with commercial casinos now thriving in Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, some of these Indiana locations are struggling.
One example is the Rising Sun Casino Resort, which has seen a sharp decline in revenue. Full House Resorts, the company that owns Rising Sun, previously sought permission to move its license to New Haven, a more populated area in Allen County. That request was denied, but the proposed study could reopen discussions about potential relocation.
Some lawmakers believe Indianapolis should be a priority for casino development, given its booming tourism and convention business. The state capital continues to attract record-breaking numbers of visitors, and a casino could enhance its appeal while generating significant revenue. With the proposed study moving forward, Indiana’s casino landscape may soon look very different.
