Discussions Intensify as Fort Wayne Casino Bill Gains Traction

Indiana has been eyeing another casino license, seeking to issue a new license for Fort Wayne, a city in northeastern Indiana. However, the situation has turned out to be more nuanced than expected.

Indiana Eyes 14^th Casino License

Proponents of expanding Indiana’s casino industry have sought to introduce another casino license, submitting several separate casino bills. While some have eyed transferring an existing casino license from southern to northern Indiana, others have proposed issuing a new license.

As the Fort Wayne talks have moved forward, other representative areas have also joined the discussion, encouraging deeper talks about the best possible location for a new casino. A recent study by the Indiana Gaming Commission has named Indianapolis as the top location, followed by northeast Indiana, where Fort Wayne is based.

Fort Wayne, for context, is Indiana’s second most populous city and the 83^rd most populous city in the United States. While experts determined that the Indianapolis region would be more lucrative in terms of taxes, they also noted that a local casino could hurt the nearby casinos in Shelbyville and Anderson. As a result, authorities have determined Fort Wayne to be a more suitable location.

In any case, the addition of a new casino license is dependent on House Bill 1038, which, if passed, would add a 14^th casino license in Indiana. Per the bill, this license will be handed out through a competitive bidding process. The chosen operator will have to pay a license fee of at least $50 million for the opportunity to operate the new casino.

The fate of the bill is set to be decided in January.

Fort Wayne Is Looking Forward to Becoming Indiana’s Next Casino Host

In the meantime, Fort Wayne authorities are thrilled about the opportunity to become Indiana’s next casino city. Mayor Sharon Tucker described the new license as “too big of an opportunity” for Fort Wayne to pass up. He recognized the economic investment and development that could happen if the city were awarded Indiana’s 14^th casino license.

Tucker asserted that a Fort Wayne casino would benefit everyone in the city as it would unlock significant opportunities to put money into the community. Under the current plans, 60% of the tax revenue would be distributed to communities in Allen County. The remainder would fuel a designated humanitarian fund, supporting a variety of mental health, addiction and homelessness charities.

Tom Kelley, a local businessman, was likewise excited about the prospects of a casino, saying that it could have a local impact of over $200 million a year.

Some Have Oppose the Casino for a Variety of Reasons

Not everyone has been on board, though, as some have expressed concern about introducing a casino to the area. Locals have noted that a casino might hurt the family-friendly vibe of Fort Wayne and cause significant public health harm.

Some industry proponents have also opposed the expansion of Indiana’s land-based casino sector, saying that it could disrupt the delicate balance and jeopardize the investment market.

Others have opposed the idea that the new bill will not include a referendum. However, Mayor Tucker reassured them that this isn’t an opposition to allowing the public to speed, but a measure to speed up the legislative process and introduce a local casino sooner.