Indiana lawmakers introduced a new bill that could be a big deal for Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.
HB 1038 would set up a new commercial casino in Allen County, which is something people have talked about for a long time.
The bill requires the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) to collect and review applications from interested parties seeking to own a casino in Allen County. They must meet certain legal conditions to qualify.
Anyone who wins the casino license will need to pay a $50 million fee. This money goes into Indiana’s state general fund, which is used for many purposes, such as education and public safety.
This is the second attempt to get a casino operating in or around Fort Wayne this year.
How HB 1038 Differs From Earlier Bills
Earlier this year, a plan to relocate The Rising Star casino license from Rising Sun (on the Ohio River) to New Haven was shot down.
Senate Bill 293 would have facilitated the move, but after nearly two hours of public testimony at the Indiana Statehouse for and against the proposal, Senator Ron Alting, the chair of the Public Policy Committee, decided not to advance the plan.
But HB 1038 offers renewed hope to those who support the idea.
| Aspect | Earlier SB 293 / relocation idea | New Allen County bill (HB 1038) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Move existing Rising Star license from Rising Sun to Allen County. | Authorize IGC to award a new owner’s license specifically in Allen County. |
| Financial terms | Large relocation fee (150M) and penalties on sale. | Flat minimum license fee of 50M to state general fund. |
| Political outcome | Blocked in Senate Public Policy Committee. | Newly introduced; legislative prospects still uncertain |
It's important to know that the $50 million fee won’t be shared with the local community in Allen County. Instead, it’s a one-time payment to the state’s general fund. This fund pays for many statewide projects, but not anything specifically in Allen County.
Why doesn’t this fee benefit Allen County directly? The reason is that ongoing taxes from casino revenues are already shared with local governments and other specific entities. The big license fee is just to give a big one-time boost to Indiana’s overall funds.
Why Do People Want a New Casino in Fort Wayne?
There have been many discussions about whether northeast Indiana, especially Fort Wayne, needs a casino. People say this area is missing out on the excitement and economic benefits that casinos bring.
The push to bring a casino to Fort Wayne is being spearheaded by the "Fort Wayne First" campaign, with strong backing from Greater Fort Wayne Inc. They are advocating for the casino by highlighting several potential benefits: job creation, an influx of tourists, and increased tax revenue which could enhance funding for local services.
These groups reference a report from the Spectrum Gaming Group, which indicates that northeast Indiana could be an ideal spot for a new casino. Their position is that a local casino would not only keep money in the community that would otherwise be spent at out-of-state casinos, but it would also stimulate the local economy by creating new jobs and generating additional tax revenue.
Not Everyone is On Board With the Fort Wayne Casino Idea
Not everyone thinks a new casino is a good idea. Some local groups worry about the risks of gambling addiction and think that casinos might not be necessary with the rise of online gaming.
The Coalition for a Better Allen County, led by individuals such as Cathie Humbarger, is expressing significant concerns about the proposed casino. They argue that bringing a casino to the area could lead to a rise in gambling addiction, potentially harming families and altering the community's character.
The coalition contends that Allen County is already doing well without a casino and questions whether such a development would genuinely boost the local economy or simply provide financial gain for the state and casino operators.
Where Will The Debate Go From Here?
If HB 1038 moves forward, the Indiana Gaming Commission will have to ensure a fair process for selecting who receives the casino license. This includes carefully reviewing applications, listening to local opinions, and assessing whether the plans make economic sense.
The bill could open new opportunities for northeast Indiana. But success will depend on dealing with local politics, community opinions, and making sure the new casino follows all the rules.
