All Roll Calls
Yes: 236 • No: 231
IndianaHB 1038Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET
Gaming matters.
Sponsored By: Craig Snow (Republican)
Signed by Governor
public policythe senateappropriations
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Extra $50M fee for early sale
If you sell or transfer a relocated owner’s license within 10 years of approval, you must pay a $50 million fee before the deal is approved. The buyer must also invest any shortfall to reach the $500 million commitment within ten years of the original approval date.
Large fees to relocate Ohio license
If the commission approves relocation, you must pay $150 million in five equal yearly payments of $30 million. The first payment is due within 30 days; $100 million goes to the state general fund and $50 million goes to the Shuttered Riverboat Fund. If the Ohio County license is relocated, you also owe a $50 million fee to the commission in five annual payments and a one‑time $30 million payment to Rising Sun and Ohio County. The commission hires an independent appraiser and publishes the Ohio County license’s fair market value by October 1, 2026; the approved applicant must pay that amount to the license holder. The current riverboat can keep operating until one day before the new site opens.
3.5% tax and local splits for casinos
Inland casinos in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben counties pay a supplemental wagering tax equal to 3.5% of each day’s adjusted gross receipts. Each quarter, tax money from these inland casinos is split: 10% to the regional development authority, 45% to the host city, and 45% to the host county.
Limits on games and satellite sites
Casinos in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben may not offer more than 1,500 gambling games. The law also lowers the cap to three satellite facility licenses per permit holder.
New inland casino license with big investment
Casino operators with a U.S. brick‑and‑mortar site can apply by November 1, 2026 to build in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben County. You must commit at least $500 million, invest at least 60% within two years of license award, and finish the rest no later than five years after gaming starts. You must sign a development agreement with the host county. The commission posts applications, uses clear, verifiable criteria, and can request sealed supplemental bids when there is competition in the same county. These inland casinos are treated as riverboats under state law, and the cap on owner’s licenses rises to 11.
County casino vote on 2026 ballot
Allen, DeKalb, Steuben, or Wayne counties may ask voters in 2026 to allow inland casino gambling. The county must adopt a resolution by June 1, 2026 and certify it by noon August 1, 2026. Every registered voter can vote, and results are certified to the commission. It is a Level 6 felony to give property to precinct committee members to sway their action on such questions.
Fund to help towns after closures
The law creates the Shuttered Riverboat Fund to help local governments hit by a casino closure. Deposits include money tied to relocation fees. The General Assembly must approve spending. The state board of finance cannot move this money.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Craig Snow
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Brad Barrett
Republican • House
Chris Garten
Republican • Senate
Justin Busch
Republican • Senate
Lonnie Randolph
Democratic • Senate
Philip GiaQuinta
Democratic • House
Ryan Mishler
Republican • Senate
Tony Isa
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 405 on HB1038.08.ENRS.CCH001
Yes: 56 • No: 37 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 312 on HB1038.08.ENRS.CCS001
Yes: 34 • No: 16
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Roll Call 229 on HB1038.06.COMS
Yes: 26 • No: 22
House vote • 2/2/2026
Roll Call 199 on HB1038.04.ENGH
Yes: 67 • No: 30 • Other: 2
House vote • 1/29/2026
Roll Call 154 on HB1038.03.COMH.AMH003
Yes: 28 • No: 63 • Other: 4
House vote • 1/29/2026
Roll Call 153 on HB1038.03.COMH.AMH004
Yes: 25 • No: 63 • Other: 7
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
3/4/2026HousePublic Law 77
3/4/2026HouseSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/27/2026HouseCCR # 1 filed in the Senate
2/27/2026SenateRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 405: yeas 56, nays 37
2/27/2026HouseRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 312: yeas 34, nays 16
2/27/2026SenateHouse advisors appointed: Manning, Lehman, Isa, Miller K, Moed
2/26/2026HouseHouse conferees appointed: Snow, GiaQuinta
2/26/2026HouseCCR # 1 filed in the House
2/26/2026HouseSenate advisors appointed: Mishler, Jackson L
2/25/2026SenateMotion to dissent filed
2/25/2026HouseSenate conferees appointed: Busch, Niezgodski
2/25/2026SenateHouse dissented from Senate amendments
2/25/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 229: yeas 26, nays 22
2/24/2026SenateReturned to the House with amendments
2/24/2026SenateSecond reading: amended, ordered engrossed
2/23/2026SenateAmendment #4 (Mishler) prevailed; voice vote
2/23/2026SenateCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/19/2026SenateSenator Randolph added as cosponsor
2/19/2026SenateCommittee report: do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations
2/12/2026SenateSenator Maxwell removed as cosponsor
2/12/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Public Policy
2/5/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
2/3/2026House
Bill Text
Engrossed House Bill (H)
Engrossed House Bill (S)
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)