Three Northeast Indiana Counties Set to Vote on Inland Casino Gambling Referendum

Voters in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties head to the polls November 3 to answer Public Question No. 3 on whether inland casino gambling should be permitted in their county. A yes vote would make a county eligible to host one new inland casino license authorized under House Enrolled Act 1038. The law permits the Indiana Gaming Commission to award only a single license across the three counties no matter how many approve the measure.

The ballot wording, set out in the enrolled act, asks simply: "Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in (insert the name of the county)?" A no vote carries permanent effect: the law states that a second public question may not be held in that county. As reported by Gambling Insider, county election boards certified the question over the summer following legislative changes that transformed an initial Rising Star Casino relocation proposal into a new license opportunity.

The Ballot Question and Local Campaigns

Supporters including the Advance Fort Wayne Allen County PAC argue the project would create jobs, generate revenue, and ease pressure on local budgets after 2025 property tax changes. Tom Borne, a retired advertising executive, said the effort represents "a shared opportunity for Allen County and northeast Indiana to come together, create jobs, keep more dollars here at home, and build a stronger economic future for our entire community." Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker's office voiced optimism about economic development, jobs, and tourism.

Opposition comes from the Coalition for a Better Indiana and Rep. Marlin Stutzman, whose district covers all three counties. Kristen Bissontz, vice president of the coalition's volunteer board, said "The casino industry is predatory in nature." Stutzman stated that "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." Full House Resorts Chief Executive Dan Lee warned that "You're going to have three referendums where the opposition is probably well funded and the pro side probably isn't."

What Happens After the Vote

If at least one county approves, operators of existing U.S. brick-and-mortar casinos may apply by December 1, 2026, naming their proposed county and securing local resolutions of support. Bids must commit to at least $500 million in investment, with 60% of the initial phase completed within two years of any award. The Commission must publish application summaries by January 15, 2027, and reach a final decision by April 15, 2027. The chosen applicant pays a $150 million license fee in five equal annual installments and faces a cap of 1,500 gambling games plus a 3.5% supplemental wagering tax on adjusted gross receipts.

A 2025 Indiana Gaming Commission study projected an Allen County casino could generate $204 million in annual revenue and $61 million in state taxes, compared with Rising Star's roughly $42 million in yearly gross revenue. Results will be certified and sent to the Commission, fixing the pool of eligible counties before the tight application deadline. The single-license design and short timeline will test how quickly operators can align local political support with the statutory requirements.