Horseshoe Indianapolis Table Game Dealers Walk Off the Job in Shelbyville
Posted on: October 17, 2025, 12:38h.
Last updated on: October 17, 2025, 12:38h.
- Table game dealers are striking at Horseshoe Indianapolis
- The dealers are seeking to join the Teamsters
Table game dealers at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., walked off the job on Friday at 12 noon EST.
After Caesars Entertainment refused to allow an independent third-party to conduct an election to determine if a majority of the casino’s 200 table game dealers and dual-rate supervisors, who at times deal cards, support joining the Teamsters Local 135 union, a strike was authorized. The local Teamsters chapter announced that a strike would occur today, Oct. 17, should Caesars maintain its opposition to allowing an auditor to handle counting the secret ballot cards.
“Horseshoe dealers and dual rates want and deserve the strong representation that Local 135 can provide them. We will not let the casino’s management stand in their way,” said Dustin Roach, president of Local 135.
Horseshoe can end this strike at this very moment by recognizing the union that these hardworking men and women have fought so hard to join,” Roach continued.
The striking employees are currently picketing outside the casino, holding signs and banners informing the public about the matter.
Government Shutdown
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) typically handles voting for workers seeking to unionize and bargain collectively. The independent agency, however, is part of the federal government and therefore is operating only in a minimal capacity amid the government shutdown in Washington, DC.
With the NLRB unable to count the dealers’ votes at Horseshoe Indianapolis, the Teamsters proposed bringing in a third-party agreed to by both sides to tally the results. Caesars has reportedly been unwilling to appease the union’s request.
Horseshoe is only delaying the inevitable by forcing these future Teamsters to the picket line,” opined Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “No matter how long they drag out this strike, it will end in the same way — with 200 casino workers getting strong Teamsters representation.”
The Local 135 Teamsters chapter already represents slot attendants at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The union primarily represents employees in the airline, warehouse, and freight industries.
Horseshoe Indianapolis has 65 table games that the roughly 200 dealers tend to. The casino also has 1,500 slot machines, a racebook, and a Caesars Sportsbook. Live racing at the facility occurred 123 days in 2025.
Casino Remains Operational
Horseshoe Indianapolis did not respond to Casino.org’s request for comment on this article. But by all accounts, the casino remains operational, with dealer games still active amid the strike.
Horseshoe reported gross gaming revenue of $336 million in 2024. That ranked second among the state’s 13 casinos.
Indiana taxes casinos on a graduated scale based on each property’s total win for the year. For Horseshoe Indianapolis’ $336 million, the casino was forced to share 35%, or $117.6 million, with the state.
Horseshoe Indianapolis’ total workforce numbered 813 employees at the end of 2025.
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