Indiana Voters to Decide Whether Three Counties Can Host $500M Casino

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Voters in three northeast Indiana counties will decide November 3 whether their communities can host a new casino. The referendums will determine which counties can compete for a casino licence requiring at least $500 million in investment.

Residents of Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties will face the same question: “Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in [county name]?” The decision comes as competing campaigns debate whether a casino would generate jobs and tax revenue or introduce additional gambling-related harm.

Three Indiana Counties Compete for One Casino Licence

Under House Enrolled Act 1038, approved in March, Indiana can issue one new inland casino licence in one of the three counties, provided local voters approve casino gambling. A county rejecting the proposal would become ineligible under the legislation, which also prohibits a second referendum on the same question.

The law followed months of debate over casino expansion in northeast Indiana. Lawmakers initially considered relocating the licence held by Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, but the final legislation preserves that property and instead creates a new licence while eliminating an unused horse-racing gaming licence.

The successful developer must invest at least $500 million in casino facilities and nongaming amenities. At least 60% of that commitment must be spent within two years of licence authorization, with the remaining investment and development completed within five years after gaming operations begin.

The operator must also pay $150 million to the state, including a $100 million licence fee and $50 million designated for communities affected by casino closures. Additional financial commitments to local governments could form part of the winning proposal.

Supporters Cite Jobs While Opponents Warn of Gambling Harm

In Allen County, the Advance Fort Wayne Allen County campaign is promoting the potential economic benefits of a casino. Tom Borne, a retired advertising executive involved in its “Yes for Allen” initiative, told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that the development could help sustain regional growth and provide additional revenue for public services.

The campaign estimates a new casino could support approximately 5,500 temporary construction jobs and 2,000 permanent positions. Those figures remain projections, and opponents have questioned whether the anticipated employment and economic benefits would materialize.

Fort Wayne Community Schools board member Steve Corona has also expressed support, citing pressure on school funding following changes to Indiana’s property tax laws. A 2025 Indiana Gaming Commission study projected that an Allen County casino could generate approximately $204 million in annual gaming revenue and $61 million in state taxes.

Opposition groups argue that the potential economic benefits should be weighed against gambling addiction and its effects on households. Kristen Bissontz, vice president of the Coalition for a Better Indiana, described the industry as “predatory in nature” and warned that financially vulnerable residents could face serious consequences.

The coalition’s “No casiNO” campaign has organized community events and distributed materials opposing the development. US Representative Marlin Stutzman has also expressed opposition, arguing that additional gambling could harm the region’s existing economic and social environment.

Meanwhile, Steuben County supporters have organized through the Where Fun Wins political action committee. The county has already attracted interest in a proposed $500 million casino resort, although any development remains dependent on voter approval and subsequent licensing.

November Vote Sets Up December Licensing Deadline

Approval in a county would allow prospective casino operators to submit development proposals to the Indiana Gaming Commission. A favorable referendum would not guarantee that a casino is built, and only one licence can ultimately be awarded across the eligible counties.

Applications will be accepted after November 5, with a December 1 submission deadline. The regulator plans to publish applications and project summaries by January 15, 2027, before selecting a winning proposal by April 15.

For the three counties, the November 3 vote represents the first decisive step in determining where Indiana’s next casino could be developed. The outcome will establish which communities remain eligible for the investment, while the final location and operator will be determined through the state’s competitive licensing process.

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