Published on: January 14, 2026, 12:39h.
Updated on: January 14, 2026, 12:54h.
- Richmond Is on a Roll aims to introduce a casino to Indiana’s Wayne County
- Indiana legislators are deliberating multiple gaming proposals this year
- No legislation has yet emerged to approve a casino in Wayne County
The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County, has launched a campaign advocating for a casino in east central Indiana.
As the Indiana General Assembly’s 2026 session commences, Wayne County presents its case for a casino project. Local business leaders maintain that a casino in Richmond, the county seat, would benefit both the local economy and the state.
The Richmond Is on a Roll campaign is an educational effort by the chamber and EDC, aimed at enhancing residents’ understanding of the economic prospects a casino resort could bring.
The initiative aims to clarify the implications of a casino proposal for Wayne County, explaining the decision-making procedure and the necessary steps for progression. It emphasizes education to foster a transparent community dialogue, providing residents with trustworthy information, clear timelines, and a straightforward view of what is known, what remains under review, and the decisions that lie ahead,” notes the campaign website.
The Richmond Is on a Roll campaign is facilitated by RJL Solutions, a consulting firm based in Indiana that successfully assisted in the establishment of a casino resort in Terre Haute.
Legislation for Indiana Casinos in 2026
In the ongoing legislative review, Indiana lawmakers are considering a plan to open a casino in Allen County, particularly in Fort Wayne, following a study that affirmed its financial viability for both the state and gaming operators. The 2025 Spectrum Gaming report identified promising, unexplored gaming markets with significant potential, including Indianapolis, Allen County, and Wayne County.
Several proposals are under consideration: one bill would permit Full House Resorts to transfer its Rising Sun casino license to Allen County, while another bill seeks to establish a new casino license for Allen County, featuring a competitive bidding process with a $50 million entry fee. A third proposal would call for a casino in Indianapolis with a minimum investment of $750 million.
While Wayne County faces challenges in its quest for a casino, economic development advocates remain hopeful for consideration.
Establishing a casino in Richmond would advance economically beneficial development in Wayne County by generating jobs, boosting local revenue, and enhancing tourist spending at nearby businesses,” states the Richmond Is on a Roll campaign.
According to Richmond Is on a Roll, casino jobs in Indiana offer annual salaries that surpass the national average, estimated between $41K to $43K.
No Legislation Filed Yet
The 2026 legislative session in Indiana kicked off on December 1. Being an even-numbered year, this session is shorter, expected to conclude by February 27.
As of now, there has been no proposal submitted to allocate a casino license to Wayne County.