Published on: February 3, 2026, 10:22h.
Updated on: February 3, 2026, 10:23h.
- Legislation in Indiana is advancing to authorize a casino in the Fort Wayne area
- State legislators appear supportive of allowing an existing casino to relocate northeast
Recent legislative efforts in Indiana to permit Full House Resorts in Rising Sun, or any other casino, to shift its state gaming license to the Fort Wayne area have successfully navigated a significant milestone.
On Monday, the Indiana House of Representatives cast a vote of 67-30 in favor of House Bill 1038. Sponsored by Indiana Rep. Chad Snow (R-Warsaw), this legislation permits a licensed casino operator to build and open a casino within Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben Counties, with Wayne County also being eligible.
Initially, HB1038 specified that only Full House Resorts could apply to transfer its Ohio County riverboat license to an inland casino in one of the designated counties.
However, during the House discussions, the bill was modified to allow any of the 13 casinos to compete for the Fort Wayne opportunity. The selected operator will need to invest a minimum of $500 million into the new establishment and pay a one-time fee of $50 million to the state along with $30 million to Ohio County.
Before a winning operator can propose a plan to the Indiana Gaming Commission, the local government must support the project. Additionally, counties can organize local referendums to assess community backing for gaming.
Is the Future Dim for Rising Star?
While the entire state gaming sector has been included in HB1038, Full House Resorts has been pushing for relocation.
Rising Sun is no longer the appealing gaming destination it once was when the Grand Victoria riverboat casino debuted in 1996. The competitive landscape has changed, with new commercial casinos emerging in Ohio, including a Hard Rock casino in nearby Cincinnati. In 2021, Kentucky also legalized slot-like historical horse racing machines at its parimutuel venues.
Last year, Full House’s Rising Star generated only $1.3 million in state admission (supplemental) taxes, making it the lowest among Indiana’s 13 commercial casinos. In contrast, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana contributed $60.9 million.
A study commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission revealed that the Fort Wayne area is, apart from downtown Indianapolis, the least served gaming market in the state.
Full House seems poised to pivot away from Rising Sun. This is underscored by Rising Star’s failure to provide any free play last year, while Hard Rock Northern Indiana distributed $11.5 million in complimentary credits.
Full House is likely to place its bets on the Fort Wayne venture, provided the Senate passes the bill and Gov. Mike Braun (R) signs it into law.
Chances in the Senate
The Indiana Senate is anticipated to align with the House in supporting HB1038.
There remains backing for the option to shift a casino to the northeast,” stated Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R-Morgan). “The study has clearly indicated that it would be lucrative. I view the bill with optimism.”
Indiana’s casino revenue for the year ending June 30, 2025, reached $2.46 billion, representing a 2.2% increase from the previous year.