Rising Star Casino expected to remain in Ohio County

(RISING SUN, Ind.) – The Rising Star Casino appears likely to remain in Ohio County for the foreseeable future. 

Indiana lawmakers were initially tasked with voting whether to transfer the gaming operations from Rising Sun to the Fort Wayne area during the General Assembly.

State Representatives Garrett Bascom and Randy Maxwell have both fought to keep the casino in Rising Sun. 

The State is now expected to repurpose two gaming licenses that were originally intended for race tracks. It will allow the Rising Star Casino to remain in Ohio County as long as it stays profitable. 

The other license involves House Bill 1038 which would require citizen approval to put an inland casino in either Allen, DeKalb or Steuben counties. 

HB 1038 has been sent to the Governor’s desk and if approved the citizens of those above counties would vote for or against a casino in their community during the 2026 general election. 

The legislation also includes a $50 million ‘Shuttered Riverboat Fund’ which would be administered to communities that are impacted by the closure of a casino. 

Rising Sun Mayor Steve Slack released a statement on Friday saying, “This has been a very long, ongoing process with both City and County officials making multiple trips to the State Capitol building throughout this whole legislative session to protect our constituents.”

He added, “I would like to offer a huge thank you to Senator Randy Maxwell and Representative Garrett Bascom for their tireless efforts on our behalf, including but not limited to, their advocacy, the countless updates provided and their assistance with getting meetings scheduled with Senate and House leadership.”