Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Gaming Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee amends gaming bill to open a Northeast Indiana license; Wayne and Marion counties excluded for now
Summary
Committee members approved a major amendment to House Bill 10‑38 to convert one unused horse‑racing satellite license to a full casino license for Northeast Indiana, open applications to any U.S. operator, set a $150 million fee with a distress fund, and eliminate optional local referenda; amendment passed 8–5 and the amended bill passed 8–5 in committee.
Lawmakers considered a substantial amendment (number 33) to House Bill 10‑38 that would move one unused horse‑racing satellite license to the gaming commission, convert it to a full gaming license for Northeast Indiana, terminate another unused license, and open the application process to any U.S. operator.
The amendment also set the application fee and revenue commitments: a $150 million fee structure with $50 million payable over five years placed into a distressed fund to support local communities if a casino later closes, and a separate $500 million investment commitment retained in the bill’s terms. The amendment removed optional referendum language and narrowed the geographic selection to a pocket in Northeast Indiana where committee leadership said the addition would cause less impact to existing facilities.
Representatives of Wayne County attended and pressed for inclusion; some senators said exclusion was a function of geography and impact analysis rather than a comment on Wayne County’s proposals. Committee members discussed potential hold‑harmless costs to existing casinos and consultations with the horse‑racing industry; the chair said leadership would continue discussions with horsemen and with stakeholders.
On roll call, the amendment passed 8–5 and the committee ultimately advanced the amended bill 8–5. Sponsors said they will consider adding Marion County or revising local approval language on second reading.
Next steps: The amended bill will move toward floor consideration; proponents and delegates indicated they intend to seek further changes before final votes.
