In the heart of Indiana, the debate over a potential Fort Wayne casino is intensifying.
Two legislative proposals are on the table, HB 1038 and SB 70, each offering different paths for bringing a casino to Allen County. However, opposition has emerged in the form of “Save Fort Wayne,” a campaign led by anonymous business and finance professionals aiming to slow down or halt these efforts.
They are joining forces with a group of people who have already expressed their opposition to the plan. The news also comes on the heels of the announcement that discussions are underway to bring a casino to downtown Indianapolis as well.
All this while state lawmakers consider legalizing online casinos and potentially banning sweepstakes casinos in 2026. Needless to say, there is a lot happening in the Hoosier State.
But let’s dig a little deeper into this controversy and the legislative proposals that are shaping the future of the Fort Wayne casino discussion.
Who is "Save Fort Wayne"?
“Save Fort Wayne” is an anonymous campaign committed to opposing the development of a Fort Wayne casino.
The group warns that a casino could introduce issues such as addiction, increased crime rates, and “local wealth extraction,” which, they argue, would outweigh any economic benefits and job creation.
While they have not registered as a political action committee (PAC), their presence is felt through a strong media campaign and an informative website dedicated to raising awareness about the potential pitfalls of a Fort Wayne casino.
The Bills Driving the Fort Wayne Casino Debate
The Fort Wayne casino discussion centers around two bills in the Indiana legislature, each proposing a different approach to bringing a casino to the area:
Senate Bill 70: Relocating Rising Star to Fort Wayne
Proposed by Senator Justin Busch, SB 70 suggests relocating the existing Rising Star Casino license from Ohio County to Allen County, including Fort Wayne.
This bill proposes a geographic shift in licenses rather than an expansion of the total number. A crucial aspect of this bill is a provision requiring Full House Resorts, the owner, to pay the state $50 million if the license is sold or transferred within the first 10 years after relocation.
House Bill 1038: Introducing a New Fort Wayne Casino
HB 1038, introduced by Representative Craig Snow, proposes issuing a new casino license specifically for Allen County.
This means potentially constructing a new Fort Wayne casino under a $50 million licensing fee that would contribute to the state’s general fund. The bill demands a minimum investment of $500 million in both gaming and non-gaming amenities and requires local government support before the Indiana Gaming Commission can award the license.
An economic study predicted that the casino could generate more than $80 million in annual tax revenue and create over 2,400 new jobs.
What’s at Stake for the Fort Wayne Casino?
Local government leaders, including Fort Wayne’s mayor and the Allen County commissioners, have voiced support for casino development, proposing a revenue-sharing model to benefit local municipalities and humanitarian initiatives. Industry groups, however, express a preference for SB 70, warning that introducing a new 11th casino license under HB 1038 could disrupt the current market.
On the other hand, grassroots organizations like Save Fort Wayne and the Coalition for a Better Allen County argue that the costs of a Fort Wayne casino on the community’s social fabric are too high and deserve more public scrutiny, possibly through a referendum.
As the Fort Wayne casino debate unfolds, it raises larger questions about community priorities, economic growth, and social welfare.
Save Fort Wayne is advocating for a larger public role in the decision-making process, promoting careful consideration of the long-term impacts that a Fort Wayne casino might have. Whether through the continuity of SB 70 or ambitious growth with HB 1038, the future of a Fort Wayne casino remains uncertain, waiting for consensus and direction from the community and its leaders.
