A group of community leaders visited the Indiana Statehouse last week to advocate for new legislation that would allow a casino to come to Wayne County. House Bill 1038 passed, amending policy to allow the relocation of an existing casino license within the state. It also added Wayne County to a list of potential relocation destinations.
Among those in support of the amendment were Melissa Vance, president of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, and Richmond Mayor Ron Oler.
“The passage of this amendment officially places Wayne County and Richmond at the center of this conversation moving forward,” Vance said in a news release. “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 and Oler claimed that there is unity in the community on the issue, despite concerns some residents and business owners have expressed about bringing legalized gambling to the area.
The Chamber has been leading the advocacy effort since a state-commissioned study confirmed Wayne County as a viable location for a relocated casino license. The passed bill amendment takes the process a step further, and is moving to the full Indiana House of Representatives for consideration. If approved there, it goes to the Senate floor for further review.
A version of this article appeared in the January 28 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.