- Table-game dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis are on strike
- Table games remain operational amid the worker protest
- The strike stems from the federal government shutdown
Table games at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville remain operational amid the dealer strike.
The strike at the casino run by Caesars Entertainment is in its sixth day. Table-game dealers seeking to unionize at the Horseshoe began picketing last Friday, October 17, at noon EST.
The strike involves roughly 200 dealers and dual-rate supervisors, who at times deal cards. The faction wants to vote on whether to join the Teamsters Local 135 union, but the shutdown of the federal government has put the election on hold.
The Teamsters proposed bringing in an independent third-party auditor to handle the vote that would typically be managed by the federal National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Caesars has been unwilling, with union officials claiming the casino is purposely delaying the organizing of the dealers.
Us dealers and dual-rates at Horseshoe Indianapolis have been on strike since Friday, Oct. 17 ā the day we were set to join Teamsters Local 135. Weāve been holding strong, but we need your help to win this fight. Please do not cross our picket line by attending races at Horseshoe until the casino recognizes our union,ā the Teamsters pleaded.
āYou have the power to make Horseshoe do the right thing. Thank you for doing your part,ā the notice added.
Horseshoe Indianapolis reported gross gaming revenue of $336 million in 2024. That ranked second among the 13 casinos in Indiana. The casino won $25 million from gamblers in September, down slightly from $25.5 million in September 2024.
Business as Usual
A Horseshoe Indianapolis spokesperson told Casino.org that the dealer strike hasnāt impacted operations. Table games remain operational, though there may be fewer live tables this weekend than normal. Players, however, shouldnāt have a problem finding a seat.
Along with the propertyās horse racetrack, Horseshoe Indianapolis has 1,500 slots, 65 table games, and a Caesars Sportsbook.
The union believes Caesars is using the federal government shutdown to impede workersā right to organize. The NLRB is considered a nonessential independent agency of the federal government and is therefore currently closed due to a lapse in appropriated funds.
The NLRB says the government shutdown has postponed union elections until Congress passes a funding bill and it is signed by President Donald Trump.
Union Claims Employee Wrongly Dismissed
The Teamsters believe Caesars is not only stalling the dealer vote but is also acting illegally.
On Wednesday, the union raised allegations that a Horseshoe Indianapolis employee was unlawfully terminated for supporting the dealer strike. Jaxx Howell says she was suspended from her position as a casino floor supervisor on Monday without explanation. She claims she was fired the next day via email.
Howell says her inadequate pay at the casino has forced her to work two jobs.
The Teamsters argues it would fight for higher wages and better benefits for the Horseshoe Indianapolis table game dealers. Many non-dealer casino workers at Horseshoe Indianapolis are already unionized, including the Teamsters Local 135 representing slot attendants.
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