This question is currently under examination as the Indiana General Assembly evaluates the newly proposed Senate Bill 244.
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Sponsored by Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis), SB 244 was introduced on January 8 and has already undergone its first reading, being referred to the Senate Committee on Public Policy on the same day.
The bill aims to permit Full House Resorts (FHR) to transfer the Rising Star gaming license from Rising Sun to Marion County (downtown Indianapolis) for a proposed $750 million casino project. Conditions for the transfer include specific investment thresholds, compensating Rising Sun/Ohio County with a year’s tax income, and acquiring support from the mayor of Rising Sun, Steve Slack.
This initiative is backed by a recent study by Spectrum Gaming Group for the Indiana Gaming Commission, indicating that Indianapolis could be an advantageous location, despite potential negative effects on casinos in Shelbyville and Anderson, Indiana.
The Rising Star casino has existed since 1996, being the first of three riverboat casinos to open in southeastern Indiana. Despite being taken over by Full House in 2011, it has persistently struggled financially, ranking as the lowest revenue-generating casino among Indiana’s 13 operating establishments according to the Indiana Gaming Commission.
Potential Opportunities for Fort Wayne Casino
Two additional bills are under consideration that may pertain to Fort Wayne:
SB 70 proposes a license for Allen County/Fort Wayne with a $25 million relocation fee and a minimum investment of $500 million, incorporating shared redevelopment tasks for the Rising Sun site.
HB 1038 aims to establish an 11th license in Allen County without moving the existing license, requiring a $50 million fee after its first reading.
Richmond, Indiana, is another possible location for license relocation. Local officials are advocating for casino development through a civic awareness campaign. Additionally, community discussions in Steuben County have involved support for a casino, leveraging its strategic location at the intersection of Indiana Turnpike and Interstate 69.
Aside from casino matters, the General Assembly is also considering new legislation to permit online lottery games and to prohibit sweepstakes gaming.
Overview of Rising Star
The Rising Star casino currently boasts 40,000 square feet of gaming space, featuring 944 slot and video poker machines and 25 table games. The extensive property spans over 300 acres, equipped with two hotels (totaling 294 rooms), a pool, meeting facilities, and various dining options.
Additionally, it is home to a Grand Theater for concerts and events, a Scottish links golf course, and is conveniently positioned within a drive from major cities such as Indianapolis, Lexington, and Louisville.
However, as the middle casino flanked by Cincinnati and Louisville, it generates the least state tax revenue, contributing only $1.3 million of the $283.5 million total from Indiana’s casinos in 2025.
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