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A proposal to transfer a southeastern Indiana casino license to New Haven has hit a roadblock after strong opposition from residents and officials. Senate Bill 293, which aimed to shift the license from Rising Sun to New Haven, failed to advance after Senate Public Policy Committee Chair Sen. Ron Alting decided against bringing it to a vote. Debate Over Economic Impact and Community Concerns The proposed move required approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission and a redevelopment plan for the soon-to-be-vacant Rising Sun site. While some officials and Full House Resorts, the casino’s operator, supported the relocation, critics raised concerns about gambling’s potential negative impact. During a heated hearing, around three dozen individuals testified. About 20 opponents voiced concerns about gambling addiction and community risks, while a dozen supporters argued that the relocation would bring economic benefits. Outside the chamber, additional supporters gathered in favor of the proposal. Full House Resorts Chief Development Officer Alex Stolyar emphasized the financial benefits of the move. He pointed out that the Rising Sun casino has struggled due to growing competition from casinos in Kentucky and Ohio. He projected that relocating to New Haven could boost tax revenue from $2.3 million to $65.4 million by attracting gamblers from Michigan and Ohio. “We do have overwhelming public support. It is not unanimous; I won’t pretend that it is,” Stolyar said, presenting a letter signed by 2,743 community members endorsing the project. He also reassured lawmakers that Rising Sun and its employees would not be abandoned. Opponents, including the Coalition for a Better Allen County, argued that expanding gambling could harm the community. Allen County resident Cathie Humbarger questioned whether brick-and-mortar casinos remain viable, given Indiana’s discussions on legalizing online gaming. Skepticism also arose over the bill’s sponsorship. Sen. Andy Zay, who represents a district more than 30 miles from New Haven, introduced the bill, raising questions about why a local legislator had not taken the lead. Zay defended his involvement, citing his relationship with New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael and his understanding of rural communities. McMichael, initially skeptical of the proposal, changed his stance after visiting Indiana towns with casinos. “I always asked the following question, ‘If you could make the casino go away, would you?’” he said. “Not a single community said they would make the casino go away if they could.” Supporters argued that the casino could attract businesses to New Haven, which they believe lacks retail and commercial development. Some residents hoped it could bring a second grocery store and additional job opportunities. However, critics pointed out that casino jobs often pay lower wages than other industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, gambling service workers earned a median hourly wage of $16.53 in May 2023, well below the regional median of $26.37. Although the bill stalled, Zay suggested possible revisions, including adding a public referendum or a competitive bidding process. “There will be a number of other opportunities for this to be amended,” he said, indicating that the proposal is still in its early stages. Past casino relocations, such as those in Gary and Terre Haute, required public referendums. Senate Bill 293 lacked that provision, a key point of contention among lawmakers and residents. With the debate far from over, further discussions could shape the bill’s future in the coming months.

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