New Haven, a city in Indiana with aspirations of becoming a more prominent tourist destination, may soon witness a major development that aligns with Mayor Steve McMichael’s vision. According to a newsletter released by Hannah News Service last Friday, the Rising Star Casino Resort, currently situated on the banks of the Ohio River in southeast Indiana, is contemplating a move northwards to New Haven.
The potential new home for the casino could be in the Fort Wayne area, as discussions about the relocation have been ongoing since as early as 2017, with Full House Resorts, Inc. CEO Dan Lee mentioning the possibility. Rising Star Casino Resort, located in Ohio County near Cincinnati, has experienced a decline in revenue, prompting the need for a new, potentially more lucrative location.
Zach Washler, New Haven’s community development director, confirmed that Mayor McMichael has been proactive about this development. He has been working with city council members to garner support for this initiative. Washler emphasized the numerous benefits of adding a casino to New Haven, stating, “It adds a tourist destination, social hub, and an entertainment venue, positively impacting the economic landscape of New Haven.”
The addition of a casino in New Haven, a city with approximately 16,000 residents, would add to its growing list of tourist attractions. It is important to note that the proposed casino would not be connected with the upcoming Fields of Grace project, a multi-sport fieldhouse endeavor that will also include residential, retail, and entertainment spaces, with the International Harvester Museum as a cultural highlight.
The decision to consider relocating Rising Sun casino to New Haven comes as it currently generates the least revenue among Full House Resorts’ properties. Moving to a larger market such as Indiana’s second-largest city could potentially lead to higher revenue streams.
Presently, New Haven is home to Winner’s Circle, a satellite wagering and sportsbook pub operated by Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. The potential new casino site could be in close proximity to Winner’s Circle, which would significantly alter the city’s landscape from the current static riverboat in Rising Sun.
The shift from a riverboat to an inland casino became feasible in 2015 when new legislation allowed for the transfer of a riverboat license to an inland license, a crucial step for any property in New Haven. Washler mentioned that more details would be provided after the 2025 State Legislative Session. He stressed the significance of community involvement, assuring that community listening sessions would be organized once additional information is available to ensure that the community’s interests are taken into consideration. Washler affirmed, “We are attentive to the community, and we will hold community listening sessions once more information becomes available.”
