Fort Wayne, Ind. – Residents of Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties will cast ballots on Nov. 3 to answer Public Question No. 3: “Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in (your) county?” The measure appears near the end of each county’s ballot, following questions on bail and judicial residency.
What the proposal entails
The referendum follows Indiana’s House Enrolled Act 1038, which authorizes a single new inland casino license for one of the three counties. If a county votes “yes,” developers must submit applications to the Indiana Gaming Commission by Dec. 1. A “no” vote bars any further public question on the issue in that county under the current process.
The selected developer would be required to invest at least $500 million in the casino and related non‑gaming amenities, with at least 60 % of that investment made within two years of license authorization and the remainder completed within five years after the casino opens. The license also mandates a $100 million payment to the state and an additional $50 million to assist former casino host communities affected by closures. Further payments to the host community or the state could be negotiated.
Supporters’ arguments
Pro‑casino advocates, including the “Yes for Allen” campaign led by retired advertising executive Tom Borne, argue the project could sustain the region’s recent economic momentum. “We’ve been on a really, really nice run for about eight to ten years,” Borne said, adding that additional revenue would allow the community to “take a big bite of the apple” and keep improving local services.
Borne’s group estimates the project could involve roughly 5,500 temporary construction workers and create about 2,000 permanent jobs. The campaign enjoys backing from the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, various business interests and several labor unions, and has employed television ads, social‑media outreach, mailers and text messages to spread its message.
Support also comes from local officials concerned about fiscal pressure on schools and other taxing units. Fort Wayne Community Schools Board member Steve Corona, who does not gamble, said the potential casino revenue could help a district that “lost $10 million last year” and is “getting our butt kicked.”
Opposition and concerns
Critics warn that expanded gambling could increase addiction‑related harm and erode the quality of life that families value in the region. Kristen Bissontz, vice president of the Coalition for a Better Indiana’s volunteer board, leads the “No casiNO” campaign, describing the casino industry as “predatory in nature.” She argues that the bright lights, sounds and fast‑paced atmosphere of casinos are designed to keep vulnerable people gambling.
Bissontz acknowledges the job and revenue arguments but maintains that they do not outweigh the potential damage to families. Her coalition has distributed mailers, held public forums and relied on small contributions from residents and local businesses to fund its outreach.
U.S. Representative Marlin Stutzman, Republican for Indiana’s Third Congressional District, also voiced criticism, stating, “Business development is a top priority of mine, but gambling is the opposite.” He cautioned that gambling expansion could undermine the region’s broader economic development efforts.
Economic projections
The Indiana Gaming Commission commissioned a 2025 study that estimated an Allen County casino could generate roughly $204 million in annual revenue and $61 million in annual state gaming taxes. The study also noted that the existing Rising Star casino in Rising Sun produces about $42 million in gross revenue and $3.6 million in state taxes each year.
What’s at stake
The Nov. 3 vote will determine whether developers can pursue a new casino license in any of the three counties. A “yes” vote would open the door for applications and potential economic benefits, while a “no” vote would keep the status quo and prevent further public questions on the issue.
Both sides continue to campaign vigorously as the election approaches, emphasizing the importance of informed voting on a decision that could shape the region’s economic and social landscape for years to come.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
