summary
Introduced
12/01/2025
12/01/2025
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Passed
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Gaming matters. Provides that the horse racing commission may issue three satellite facility licenses (instead of four per permit holder under current law). Requires Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County to place a public question on the 2026 general election ballot that seeks approval from the voters to permit inland casino gambling. Authorizes the Indiana gaming commission (commission) to award a new riverboat license for an inland casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County. Prohibits the commission from awarding an owner's license to operate a casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County if the voters of the county do not approve casino gaming in the county. Specifies application requirements, including local government support and the applicant's commitment and plan to invest at least $500,000,000 for the development of a casino and nongaming amenities. Requires an approved applicant to pay $150,000,000 to the commission to be deposited by the commission as follows: (1) $100,000,000 to the state general fund; and (2) $50,000,000 to the shuttered riverboat fund to be used for local units that are affected by a shuttered riverboat or inland casino closure. Provides that if a licensed owner ceases operations or goes out of business, the license issued under this section is terminated effective on that date.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Indiana's gaming laws by reducing the number of satellite facility licenses a permit holder can receive from four to three, and it introduces the possibility of new inland casino gambling in Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County. For these three counties, a public question will be placed on the 2026 general election ballot to allow voters to decide on inland casino gambling, and the Indiana Gaming Commission (commission) can only award a new riverboat license for an inland casino in these counties if voters approve. Applicants for these new licenses must commit to investing at least $500 million in casino and related amenities, and upon approval, must pay $150 million to the commission, with $100 million going to the state's general fund and $50 million to a fund for local units affected by casino closures. The bill also specifies that if a licensed owner ceases operations, their license terminates immediately.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Government Affairs
Sponsors (8)
Craig Snow (R)*,
Brad Barrett (R),
Justin Busch (R),
Chris Garten (R),
Phil GiaQuinta (D),
Tony Isa (R),
Ryan Mishler (R),
Lonnie Randolph (D),
Last Action
Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 312: yeas 34, nays 16 (on 02/27/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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