Several downtown development projects are in their infancy or just getting started. IBJ takes a look at a handful that could draw buzz throughout 2026.
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As the dust settles on House Enrolled Act 1038, questions are beginning to emerge about the next steps for turning legislation into a new casino in northeast Indiana.
A bill that would put a $500 million casino in northeast Indiana is heading to the governor’s desk with mandatory referendum language — a previous point of contention among some lawmakers.
Over the objections of two state senators from the area, the Senate narrowly passed legislation Tuesday that would open up the bidding for a $500 million casino in northeast Indiana.
An amended House Bill 1038 passed the Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee in an 8-5 vote that saw bipartisan opposition.
The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which could consider changes that include narrowing where a casino could be located.
House Bill 1038 could see the gaming license in Rising Sun move to Allen, DeKalb, Steuben or Wayne counties.
These counties join Allen County as possible sites for a new casino under changes to House Bill 1038. Some Indianapolis-area lawmakers are still pushing for Marion County to be included in that group.
The bill, authored by Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, would allow casino operator Full House Resorts Inc. to move its gaming license from Rising Sun to Marion County–with a few conditions.
From utility rates to tenderloin sandwiches, here are some bills IBJ is following this legislative session.
In 2025, Indiana could see its biggest gambling expansion since sports wagering was legalized in 2019.
The growing push for an Indianapolis casino is getting an assist from Visit Indy, with the executive committee opting to publicly back the effort.
Lawmakers are already considering two bills in the 2026 session that would bring a casino to Allen County, while central Indiana legislators are coalescing around a push for a casino in downtown Indianapolis.
No legislation seeking to put a casino in Indianapolis has been introduced this session so far, but Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, said he will carry a bill to that effect.
The table game dealers and dual rate workers at the casino cast their votes to join the Teamsters Local 135 after 50 days on the picket line.
The results of a study released earlier this year showed two places in Indiana—downtown Indianapolis and the Fort Wayne area—would thrive with a new casino license, but where lawmakers focus will their efforts isn’t yet clear.
Nearly 200 workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis casino in Shelbyville are on strike as they seek a union vote delayed by the federal government shutdown.
Sources tell IBJ that tax revenue from a new casino could help pay for potential upgrades to Lucas Oil Stadium as well as a soccer stadium on the east side of downtown.
The group’s union election is “delayed indefinitely” due to the government shutdown. Representatives for the 200 affected workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis say the casino has not agreed to proposed alternatives.
Greenberg Traurig LLP, a firm with global coverage in multiple disciplines, has made some prominent hires in its Chicago office this past year, with a particular focus on Indiana casino gambling and lobbying.
The Indiana Legislature would have to approve moving any existing gaming licenses or creating new ones.
