Three Northeast Indiana Counties Set to Vote on Inland Casino Gambling Referendum
Voters in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties will decide on November 3 whether to permit inland casino gambling, with a single license available across the three.Summary
On November 3, voters in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties will vote on Public Question No. 3, which asks whether inland casino gambling should be permitted in their county under House Enrolled Act 1038. A yes vote makes the county eligible to host one new inland casino license, but only one license will be awarded across the three counties regardless of how many approve. A no vote permanently bars future public questions in that county. Supporters, including the Advance Fort Wayne Allen County PAC, argue the project would create jobs and generate revenue, while opponents such as the Coalition for a Better Indiana and Rep. Marlin Stutzman contend the casino industry is predatory. If at least one county approves, operators of existing U.S. brick-and-mortar casinos may apply by December 1, 2026, with a minimum $500 million investment, and the Indiana Gaming Commission must reach a final decision by April 15, 2027. The chosen applicant pays a $150 million license fee and faces a cap of 1,500 gambling games plus a 3.5% supplemental wagering tax. A 2025 study projected an Allen County casino could generate $204 million in annual revenue and $61 million in state taxes.
(Source：Sccg Management)