The Hoosier Riverboats: A look at Rising Sun

Indiana's Riverboat Gambling Act, which took effect July 1, 1993, authorized the state's Gaming Commission to issue licenses for the express purpose of riverboat gambling in the state of Indiana. To date, 9 certificates of suitability have been awarded and 8 boats have opened. Ohio County is the smallest in the Hoosier state. It's population in 1993 was 5,500; that of its county seat, Rising Sun, was 2,411. In July 1995, the Indiana Gaming Commission issued a Certificate of Suitability for a Riverboat Owner's License for a riverboat to be docked in Rising Sun. Grand Victoria Casino & Resort received its license in September 1996. Rising Sun and Ohio County share 1/2 of the admission tax revenue generated by Grand Victoria. Every quarter, 2 counties, and 14 municipalities receive a portion of the proceeds. In addition to the gaming taxes paid to the city and state, Grand Victoria paid $586,127 in sales and use taxes for the period October 1996 through September 1997. Through September 1997, more than 1/3 of the total visits to Grand Victoria were made by Indiana residents, with approximately 1/3 of those visitors being from the local area.