The effort to add a casino in Northeast Indiana has reached a new stage.
A new study shows that putting a casino in Angola, Indiana, could boost the local economy by bringing more money and jobs to the area.
Angola is located in Steuben County, close to the borders of Ohio and Michigan. The research was conducted to determine if opening a new casino resort there would be beneficial.
Steuben County is one of three counties lobbying for a new casino in the Hoosier State. The bidding process recently opened, and contenders are now making their cases. That's where the study comes in.
What Did the Angola Study Find?
The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation commissioned AM Steinberg Advisors, experts in casino and hospitality consulting, to carry out the study. The report highlighted several positive impacts a casino could have on the local economy, including:
Local Tax Money: The casino could bring Steuben County between $14.1 and $16.6 million in taxes each year. Some people say it could be closer to $15-$18 million.
Jobs: The casino might create between 800 and 1,200 full-time jobs. People working there could earn between $45,000 and $60,000 a year. Altogether, the yearly pay for everyone working there could add up to $36 to $72 million.
Total Casino Money: Once the casino is running smoothly, it could make about $188 to $214 million each year.
State Tax Money: The state could earn about $56 to $66 million in taxes yearly from the casino.
Money Needed to Build: The casino operator has to spend at least $500 million to build the resort. This money would pay for things like a hotel with 200 to 250 rooms, a spa, several restaurants, places to have fun, and the casino itself.
The study predicts that the casino would thrive due to its strategic location at the intersection of major highways, Interstate 69 and the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90).
Study: Casino Would Provide Influx of Visitors to Angola
It is estimated that about 62% of the casino's revenue will come from out-of-state visitors, with the remaining 38% from Indiana residents.
This influx of "new money" would boost the local economy rather than redirect spending from other Indiana casinos. Additionally, it could attract tourists year-round, not just during the summer months when the county's popular lakes, such as Lake James, draw visitors.
Steuben County has been actively lobbying for it, including public presentations, a dedicated website and testimony in the legislature.
How Did We Get Here?
This proposal stems from the Indiana state legislation's passage of House Bill 1038. It increases the state's casino license limit and allows relocation or issuance of a new license to one of three northeast Indiana counties— Steuben, Allen (Fort Wayne area), or DeKalb.
As part of the bidding process, each county is making its pitch.
Allen County (Fort Wayne area): From the beginning, the focus has been on Fort Wayne, the largest city in the region. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker and the Allen County Commissioners have shown strong support for a local casino, even deciding on tax revenue sharing. Its plan has already been approved.
DeKalb County: A study by Spectrum Gaming Group, commissioned by the state, identified a promising location just north of Allen County, near Auburn. The area near I-69 and State Road 8 was highlighted for its highway access, making it an attractive spot to draw visitors from Fort Wayne, Ohio, and Michigan.
Steuben County: Local leaders have been suggesting locations at key highway junctions to attract cross-border travelers. The study backs them up.
The bill originally stemmed from talks about relocating an existing license from the Rising Star Casino in southern Indiana or expanding regional capacity. Instead, it was amended to convert an unused off-track betting (OTB) license—previously held by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission—into a full casino license, allowing for either a riverboat or an inland casino.
Angola, Indiana Casino Idea Not Loved by All
Proponents (including County Commissioner Andy Laughlin) emphasize economic diversification, job creation, infrastructure funding (roads, public safety, schools), and attracting regional visitors without heavily impacting local property taxes.
Critics and community discussions have raised typical concerns about casinos, which include:
- Potential increases in gambling addiction
- Crime
- Traffic
There are also questions about the study's assumptions and the transparency of its initial release (it was shared with one outlet before full public access). Some residents also worry about housing strain from new workers or competition with existing tourism.
The study itself notes that it depends on successfully competing for a regional customer base. The full report is now publicly available.
What Happens Next?
A local referendum is scheduled for the November 2026 ballot in Steuben County to assess voter support for pursuing the casino license. While no specific site has been finalized, officials are considering areas near major highway interchanges.
The proposal is still in the early stages, and nothing is guaranteed. Progress depends on the referendum outcome, state processes, and whether a qualified operator submits a bid.
The project also requires approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission and a willing casino operator to invest, so there is still a long way to go before any cards are dealt.
