Northeast Indiana Congressman Warns Casino Referendums Will Hurt Residents and Create New Burdens
Rep. Marlin Stutzman urges voters to reject Nov. 3 casino referendums in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties, citing harm to residents, addiction risks, and burdens on low-income households. HB 1038 allows one license via $150M fee plus $500M investment. Full House Resorts withdrew relocation interest after amendments.
SCCG Take — High financial barriers and direct opposition from the district congressman indicate limited near-term prospects for Northeast Indiana casino development regardless of referendum outcomes.
U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) is warning supporters that commercial gambling expansion in Northeast Indiana will hurt people. The congressman is calling on voters to reject casino ballot referendums scheduled for Nov. 3 across Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties.
Stutzman, who is seeking his fourth term in Congress, has made his opposition to gambling clear throughout the more than 3,200-square-mile 3rd District, which covers all three counties. “While many enjoy gambling as entertainment, several of our neighbors will eventually fall victim to the proposed casino as it seeks to generate profit off the backs of hard-working Hoosiers. Business development is a top priority of mine, but gambling is the opposite,” Stutzman said. “Casinos win when our neighbors lose,” the congressman said.
Stutzman added that casinos create a new burden for low-income households, the elderly on fixed incomes, and local government services. He cited research showing rapid-play gambling can be as addictive as cocaine or heroin.
Referendums Authorized Under House Bill 1038
On Nov. 3, voters in the three counties will consider separate referendums. Approval by simple majority would allow casino developers to submit competitive bids to the Indiana Gaming Commission for the single license authorized by House Bill 1038. Gov. Mike Braun (R) signed the measure in March. The winning applicant must make a one-time $150 million payment to the state and commit to a minimum $500 million investment.
Pro-casino groups have promised thousands of jobs and more than $100 million in new annual tax revenue. Stutzman maintains the downsides outweigh any gains.
Uncertainty Over Operator Pursuit
The $650 million combined threshold leaves open whether commercial gaming operators will actively pursue a development in Northeast Indiana. Full House Resorts initially lobbied to relocate its Rising Star Casino license to the market. After the bill was amended to eliminate exclusive relocation rights and add the license fee, the company indicated it plans to maintain operations in Rising Sun.
As reported by Casino.org, the congressional opposition in the directly affected district adds a concrete political obstacle. The combination of high capital requirements and documented local resistance suggests any approved referendums may not translate into prompt new casino activity.
Reporting: Casino.org News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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