Indiana considers casino proposal

A new bill would allow an operator to move its services to a new casino in Terre Haute.

US.- Fuller House Resorts Inc wants to move its operations from Rising Star Casino Resort in Southern Indiana to a new facility in Terre Haute. Bill 354 was discussed during a Senate Public Policy Committee meeting.

Members of the committee were present for a hearing where opponents and supporters expressed their views on the proposed casino. Senior vice president of Full House Resorts, Alex Stoylar, said: “It’s a very different project [From the one they presented in 2015]. Indianapolis is obviously a much bigger marketplace, but Terre Haute allows us to attract a lot more from Illinois, which is really the key to all of this.” The VP thinks that this is a good opportunity for Indiana to boost its economy and expand gambling in one area that’s not known for its casino market.

Since the proposed casino would be located in the western border of the state, it would help prevent people from gambling in neighboring states, and 65 percent of the revenue would come from the state, and not Illinois gamblers. “We’re looking to invest in Indiana, not neighboring states. It’s going to give about $10 million a year to the city of Terre Haute, in addition to the jobs it’s going to create,” Stoylar said.

Justin Groenert, director of public policy and government relations for the Southwest Indiana Chamber, said that he’s concerned about this possible casino competing with Tropicano, but Stoylar told the committee that the proposal establishes that there’s minimal impact on other Indiana casinos and close areas.