Indiana Gaming Commission seeking to launch Rising Star Casino relocation study

The Indiana Gaming Commission has started the process of studying a potential casino relocation, even as the bill authorizing the study awaits the governor’s approval. The move comes as casino operator Full House seeks to relocate its Rising Star Casino Resort to a more competitive area in Indiana amid falling revenues since the adjacent states of Ohio and Kentucky eased their gambling regulations.

On Tuesday, the Commission issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeking proposals for a study on the possible movement of gambling operations in the state, WANE reported. The RFQ, due by March 14, would allow the Commission to select study authors if the bill is signed into law.

The proposal for the study originated from State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) after his attempt to relocate the Rising Star Casino to New Haven failed to advance in committee.

The study bill, which successfully passed the Senate, was referred Monday to the House Committee on Public Policy for further consideration.

According to the RFQ, the study will examine several key factors, including projected gaming and tax revenues, the impact on other casinos and state revenue, tourism effects, out-of-state patronage, consequences for the horse racing industry, and the potential development of a tribal casino in the region.

The study is required to be completed by September 30, 2025.

However, political considerations—which previously derailed the New Haven casino proposal—are not included in the study’s scope, the report said. These factors could still influence any future efforts to relocate a casino in northeast Indiana.