Published on: October 17, 2025, 12:38h.
Updated on: October 17, 2025, 12:38h.
- Dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis Launch Strike
- Dealers Aim to Join the Teamsters Union
On Friday at noon EST, table game dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Indiana, initiated a walkout.
The strike took place as Caesars Entertainment denied the request for an independent third party to oversee a ballot election for the casino’s 200 table game dealers and dual-rate supervisors who wish to join Teamsters Local 135. Due to this refusal, an official strike was sanctioned. The local Teamsters chapter declared that the strike would commence on October 17, unless Caesars agreed to permit an auditor to manage the counting of secret ballots.
“The table game dealers and dual rates deserve robust representation from Local 135. We will not allow the management to obstruct their progress,” stated Dustin Roach, president of Local 135.
“Horseshoe can end this strike immediately by acknowledging the union that these dedicated workers are striving to join,” Roach added.
The striking workers are currently demonstrating outside the casino, displaying banners and signs to raise public awareness about their situation.
Impact of the Government Shutdown
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) plays a significant role in facilitating voting for workers looking to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. However, as a federal entity, it is currently functioning at a limited capacity due to the ongoing shutdown in Washington, D.C.
As the NLRB cannot tally the votes for the table game dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis, the Teamsters suggested using a mutually agreed-upon third party to count the ballots. Caesars has reportedly been reluctant to accept this proposition.
“Horseshoe is merely postponing the inevitable by pushing these future Teamsters to the picket line,” remarked Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “Regardless of how long they prolong this strike, it will ultimately conclude with 200 casino workers receiving solid Teamsters representation.”
The Teamsters Local 135 already represents slot attendants at Horseshoe Indianapolis and primarily advocates for employees in the airline, warehouse, and freight sectors.
Horseshoe Indianapolis operates 65 table games, serviced by approximately 200 dealers. The casino also features 1,500 slot machines, a racebook, and a Caesars Sportsbook. In 2025, live racing took place for a total of 123 days.
Operational Status of the Casino
Horseshoe Indianapolis has not provided a response to Casino.org regarding this article. Nonetheless, reports indicate that the casino continues to operate, with dealer games remaining active during the strike.
In 2024, Horseshoe reported a gross gaming revenue of $336 million, securing the second position among Indiana’s 13 casinos.
Indiana imposes a graduated tax on casinos based on their annual total win. For Horseshoe Indianapolis’ revenue of $336 million, the casino is required to contribute 35%, totaling $117.6 million, to the state.
As of the end of 2025, Horseshoe Indianapolis employed 813 individuals.