Published on: October 23, 2025, 10:45h.
Updated on: October 23, 2025, 10:45h.
- Dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis are striking
- Table gaming continues despite the worker strike
- The strike is a response to the federal government shutdown
Table games at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville are still operational despite the dealer strike.
This walkout at the Caesars Entertainment-run casino has entered its sixth day. Dealers began their picketing on Friday, October 17, at noon EST.
Approximately 200 dealers and dual-rate supervisors are participating in the strike, advocating for a vote to join Teamsters Local 135. However, the federal government shutdown has stalled the election process.
The union has suggested involving an independent third-party auditor to oversee the vote, a task typically managed by the federal National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Nevertheless, Caesars has remained noncompliant, prompting union representatives to claim that the casino is deliberately hindering the organization efforts.
“Dealers and dual-rates at Horseshoe Indianapolis have been on strike since October 17—the day we aimed to join Teamsters Local 135. We are holding firm, but we need your support to win this battle. Please refrain from crossing our picket line by attending races at Horseshoe until the casino acknowledges our union,” the Teamsters urged.
“Your action can compel Horseshoe to do the right thing. Thank you for standing with us,” the appeal continued.
In 2024, Horseshoe Indianapolis reported a gross gaming revenue of $336 million, securing the second spot among Indiana’s 13 casinos. In September, the casino earned $25 million from gamblers, a slight drop from $25.5 million in September 2024.
Operations Continue
A spokesperson from Horseshoe Indianapolis informed Casino.org that the strike has not disrupted operations. While the number of live tables may be slightly reduced over the weekend, players should still find available seating.
In addition to the racetrack, Horseshoe Indianapolis features 1,500 slot machines, 65 table games, and a Caesars Sportsbook.
The union contends that Caesars is taking advantage of the federal government shutdown to obstruct workers’ efforts to unionize. The NLRB, considered a non-essential independent agency, is currently closed due to funding interruptions.
The NLRB has stated that the government shutdown will delay union elections until Congress passes and the President signs a funding bill.
Allegations of Unlawful Termination
The Teamsters assert that Caesars is not only delaying the dealer vote but also acting unlawfully.
Recently, the union claimed that a Horseshoe Indianapolis employee was wrongfully terminated for backing the dealer strike. Jaxx Howell reports she was suspended from her role as a floor supervisor on Monday without prior notice, only to be dismissed the following day via email.
Howell has indicated that her insufficient salary at the casino necessitated her to hold two jobs.
The Teamsters advocate for better wages and benefits for the table game dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis. A number of non-dealer employees at the casino are already unionized, including the Teamsters Local 135, which represents the slot attendants.