Posted on: February 25, 2026, 08:19h.
Last updated on: February 25, 2026, 08:19h.
- Casino legislation in Indiana seeks to allow a new gaming resort in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben County
- Full House Resorts is no longer interested in running its Rising Star Casino in Ohio County
- The Indiana casino bill has been amended to include a hefty $150 million licensing fee
Legislation to allow a casino in Northeastern Indiana gained the state Senate’s blessing on Tuesday, but not before the bill was heavily amended.
Full House Resorts has been lobbying state lawmakers to allow the company to shutter its Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun and relocate to a more attractive market. An economic impact study commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission determined that Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second-largest city, is among the most underserved casino regions in the Hoosier State.
The Indiana Senate narrowly lent its support to House Bill 1038, which cleared the House earlier this month, with a 26-22 vote. But the vote came after the bill was heavily amended.
Will Any Casino Bet on Hefty Fort Wayne Fee?
During the Senate’s consideration of HB1038, the statute was drastically overhauled. While earlier versions would have revoked the Rising Sun casino license and kept the number of state gaming concessions at 13, HB1038 now expands the state casino industry to 14 licenses, allowing Rising Star to remain.
Wayne County has also been removed from the possible host counties for a new casino, leaving the counties of Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben as the only places where a new casino could be built. The amended bill additionally welcomes “any operator of a brick-and-mortar casino located in the United States” to apply for the gaming license authorized through HB1038.
Applications for the concession would need to specify the county and precise location for the casino development and include conceptual plans, a construction timeline, market and feasibility information, and the applicant’s financial capacity. The required minimum investment for the project remains at $500 million.
This will not just be a gaming floor, but a true destination development, with hotel rooms, dining, and entertainment amenities,” state Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne) told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “This ensures that we’re talking about a transformative, long-term investment in Northeast Indiana.”
Perhaps most consequential is that the Senate greatly increased the licensing fee for the Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben casino from $80 million to $150 million.
The state would pocket $100 million and direct the money to its General Fund. The remaining $50 million would be allocated to a “shuttered riverboat” fund that would go to Ohio County if the Rising Star Casino is closed.
Next Steps
Since the Indiana Senate amended HB1038, the bill now returns to the lower chamber of the General Assembly for approval.
Unlike every other casino in Indiana that was authorized, voters in the targeted county would not have a say on whether slot machines and table games come to their town.
“We’ve heard the talk, ‘Well, there might be too much opposition on the other side and it would fail.’ Oh, my goodness. What a horrible idea that the people don’t get to decide,” said Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne), one of the “no” votes on HB1038.
