Indiana’s gambling industry may soon undergo a significant change as state lawmakers advance a bill permitting the relocation of an existing casino license to another part of the state.
According to multiple news sources, the Indiana House of Representatives approved legislation allowing the Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun to relocate to another county. House Bill 1038 aims to help struggling casino markets move to areas with greater customer demand and profitability.
Supporters note that Rising Star has experienced declining revenue for years due to competition from casinos in Kentucky and Ohio. They believe relocation could preserve jobs, boost state tax revenue, and drive economic development.
Under the legislation, four counties have emerged as potential relocation destinations: Allen, DeKalb, Steuben, and Wayne. Any operator seeking to move the casino would be required to invest at least $500 million into the new project, making the proposal one of the most significant casino-related developments in Indiana in recent years.
Online Casino Options In Indiana
While Indiana is home to a well-established retail casino market, the state does not currently offer regulated online casinos for slots or table games. That hasn’t stopped many players from searching for digital alternatives.
In the absence of state-approved online casino gambling, many Indiana residents explore 18+ online IN casinos, which are international platforms licensed outside the United States. These sites often accept players from Indiana and provide access to:
- Online slot machines
- Live dealer blackjack and roulette
- Digital poker rooms
- Progressive jackpots
- Mobile casino apps
Offshore casinos have grown in popularity because they offer convenience that physical casinos cannot match. Instead of traveling to a riverboat or resort property, players can spin slots or play blackjack instantly from home.
The Indiana House discussion around casino relocation also highlights a key point: lawmakers remain far more focused on physical casino investment than expanding online gambling. In fact, some state leaders have openly preferred the economic development benefits of a $500 million casino resort over the idea of “someone playing on their phone.”
For many players, though, 18-and-up online casinos remain the closest option to true online casino gaming while Indiana law continues to limit domestic digital expansion.
Domestic Casinos in Indiana
Indiana’s brick-and-mortar casino industry is one of the strongest in the Midwest, with a mix of riverboat and land-based resorts spread across the state.
Domestic casinos in Indiana include major operators such as:
- Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
- Horseshoe Hammond
- Caesars Southern Indiana
- Harrah’s Hoosier Park
- Rising Star Casino Resort (the property tied to the relocation bill)
These casinos offer thousands of slot machines, sportsbook lounges, live entertainment, and full-scale resort amenities. They are also heavily regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission, meaning players benefit from state oversight, consumer protections, and transparent tax contributions.
The proposed relocation of Rising Star is especially significant because it would not create a new casino license — instead, it would move an existing one to a stronger market. Communities like Fort Wayne in Allen County have shown serious interest in a casino resort, viewing it as a potential engine for tourism, job growth, and infrastructure development.