A delegation of Wayne County, Indiana, community leaders traveled to the Statehouse this week to advocate for Wayne County’s inclusion in House Bill 1038, legislation that would allow for the relocation of an existing casino license within the state.
During committee testimony, Melissa Vance, a representative of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke in strong support of an amendment to HB 1038 that adds the county to the list of eligible locations where the Indiana Gaming Commission may consider relocating an existing license. The amendment ultimately passed.
“The passage of this amendment officially places Wayne County and Richmond at the center of this conversation moving forward,” Vance said in a statement. “Our community is excited, engaged, and prepared to continue advocating fiercely for the opportunity to welcome a casino in east central Indiana — one that would uplift our local economy and benefit residents across the region.”
Vance was joined by State Representative Brad Barrett, who also voiced support for the bill as amended, along with a broad coalition of community leaders including city and county officials, business leaders, economic development professionals, and other stakeholders. Together, the group underscored the unified and growing community interest in positioning Wayne County as a competitive and responsible host for a casino development.
Vance emphasized the community’s support for a local referendum, recognizing the importance of buy-in and meaningful community participation throughout the process. She also highlighted Wayne County’s strategic geographic location, situated along Indiana’s eastern border and adjacent to significant untapped gaming market potential extending into Columbus and Dayton, Ohio.
The effort to pursue casino development in Wayne County has evolved into a community-wide initiative, particularly after the state-commissioned Spectrum Gaming study identifying Wayne County as the third-highest revenue potential location in Indiana for a relocated casino license.
Richmond Mayor Ron Oler, who attended the committee hearing, emphasized the significance of the community’s unified presence at the Statehouse.
“It’s not every day that you see an entire community come together in support of a single opportunity,” said Oler. “The fact that city leaders, county leaders, business owners, and economic development partners are all standing shoulder to shoulder speaks volumes about the unity we have in Wayne County and our shared commitment to doing what’s best for our residents.”
Wayne County Commissioner Jeff Plasterer echoed that sentiment.
“This level of alignment doesn’t happen by accident,” said Plasterer. “Communities don’t often get opportunities like this, and the way Wayne County has come together shows how invested we are in our future. That unity strengthens our voice and reinforces that this effort is about long-term benefits for the people who live and work here.”
With the committee amendment adopted, House Bill 1038 moves to the full Indiana House of Representatives for consideration. Should the House pass the legislation, it will then advance to the Indiana Senate.
