Plans to bring a new casino to New Haven, Indiana, are moving forward with the introduction of Senate Bill 293 by State Senator Andy Zay. The proposed legislation seeks to transfer the gaming license of Rising Sun Casino in southeast Indiana to a $500 million resort development in Allen County. The bill marks the initial step in a complex legislative process requiring multiple levels of approval.

The Rising Star Casino, currently operated by Full House Resorts, has experienced revenue challenges due to competition from other casinos in the Cincinnati area. Full House Resorts aims to relocate its license to New Haven, where it plans to build a large-scale entertainment complex. Proposed features of the resort include a 90,000-square-foot casino, a five-story luxury hotel, a concert venue, and premium dining options.

The chosen site for the project lies near the intersection of U.S. 30 and Interstate 469, adjacent to the Flying J Travel Center. New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael has been in discussions with Full House Resorts since May 2023 and supports the project, which is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, according to The Journal Gazzette.

Legislative Path and Revenue Allocation

Senate Bill 293 outlines the steps for moving the casino license and establishes a framework for distributing the revenue generated by the new casino. If approved, New Haven would receive 25% of the casino’s tax contributions, amounting to approximately $12 million annually, according to company estimates. Of this, 20% would be dedicated to property tax relief for residents who claim a homestead deduction.

An additional 3% of New Haven’s share would be allocated to the Together for Tomorrow Commission, a new oversight group comprising local leaders from New Haven, Fort Wayne, and Allen County. This commission would use the funds for public health, safety, addiction services, and other community needs. Mayor McMichael has pledged to contribute an extra 2% of the city’s revenue to the commission during his term.

Challenges and Controversy

While the proposed relocation has garnered support from some local officials and residents, it also faces opposition. Legislators like State Senator Liz Brown and Representative Dave Heine have raised concerns about the social impacts of a casino, including addiction and crime. Senator Zay, however, has argued that much of the opposition is based on outdated data or comparisons to larger cities like Las Vegas.

The legislative process for Senate Bill 293 will include committee reviews, public hearings, and multiple votes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Even if both chambers approve the bill, it would still require the governor’s signature to become law. The bill’s passage is uncertain, as the General Assembly must prioritize passing a two-year state budget during this session.

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

An economic impact study conducted by CBRE projects that the New Haven casino would generate over $80 million annually in state and local taxes and create more than 2,400 jobs. The first phase of construction alone is expected to involve 2,760 construction-related jobs.

No tax incentives are included in the project’s financial structure, as Full House Resorts has committed to covering the full $500 million development cost. A dedicated website, AllInOnNewHaven.com, provides additional details about the project and allows community members to express their support. The Indiana General Assembly session is set to conclude on April 29, leaving limited time for the bill to advance through the legislative process.