Allows the legislative body of Allen County, DeKalb County, Steuben County, or Wayne County to initiate the placement of a public question on the 2026 general election ballot that seeks approval from the voters to permit inland casino gambling. Specifies a process by which a current licensed owner or permit holder may apply to the Indiana gaming commission (commission) to relocate the Ohio County riverboat license to an inland casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, Steuben County, or Wayne 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 the commission to: (1) make the filed applications and an informational summary available to the public not later than January 15, 2027; and (2) issue a final decision approving or denying each application not later than April 15, 2027. Allows the commission to consider whether a public question was on the ballot along with the results of the public question in deciding whether to approve or deny an application. Requires an approved applicant to pay $50,000,000 to the commission and $30,000,000 total to the city of Rising Sun and Ohio County. Requires the commission to contract with an independent third party consultant to determine the fair market value of the Ohio County license. Requires an approved applicant to pay the fair market value of the license determined by the independent third party to the owner of the Ohio County license, unless the approved applicant is the owner of the Ohio County license. Specifies fees that apply to the sale or transfer of the licensed owner's or permit holder's interest in the owner's license within 10 years. Allows the owner of the Ohio County license to continue gambling operations on the riverboat in Ohio County until one day before the date the commission has approved gambling operations to begin under the relocated owner's license.

Statutes affected:
Introduced House Bill (H): 4-33-2-17, 4-33-6-1, 4-33-6-24, 4-33-6-25, 4-33-12-1.5, 4-33-12-6, 4-33-13-5
House Bill (H): 4-33-2-17, 4-33-6-1, 4-33-6-24, 4-33-6-25, 4-33-12-1.5, 4-33-12-6, 4-33-13-5
Engrossed House Bill (H): 4-33-2-17, 4-33-6-1, 4-33-6-24, 4-33-6-25, 4-33-10-2.5, 4-33-12-1.5, 4-33-12-6, 4-33-13-5