The Vigo County, Indiana election board recently announced a voter referendum on a Terre Haute casino could be held this fall. Vigo County Clerk Brad Newman, who serves on the election board, said, “We would like to get it done in November. That is our goal and that is where are headed with it. We have started the process, talking with people, trying to get some voting locations on the outskirts so that the county residents all don’t have to come in the city to vote.”
He added, “We are going to have it set where the early voting centers are open for 30 days like we have done before and have started the conversation north, south, east and west outside the city limits to accommodate the county and be responsible as how we handle it. We have already set up the budgeting. We have put ourselves in a good position so we can accommodate the county residents.”
The referendum is required under legislation signed by Governor Eric Holcomb allowing a casino license in Vigo County, if voters approve it.
Indianapolis-based Spectacle Entertainment is expected to apply to the Indiana Gaming Commission for permission to move one of Majestic Casino’s two licenses out of Gary, then apply for the Vigo County license along with other casino operators. The commission will have final approval on who will receive the license. Besides Spectacle, Full House Resorts, owner of Rising Star Casino and Resort in Rising Sun, also has expressed interest in a Terre Haute operation.
The new law requires the Vigo County casino operator to make a minimum investment of $100 million, with 35 percent to be spent on non-gaming amenities. Gaming positions would be capped at 1,500. The casino would create 400 construction and permanent jobs.
Tax revenue from the Terre Haute casino would go to the city of Terre Haute (40 percent), Vigo County (30 percent), Vigo County public schools (15 percent) and a regional economic development initiative (15 percent).
