Indiana Senate Edges Forward with Plan for Fort Wayne Casino

Lawmakers in the Indiana Senate have given tentative backing to legislation that could bring a major casino resort to the Fort Wayne region after a contested vote exposed divisions over public input and the future of gambling in the state.

Close Senate Vote Moves $500M Indiana Casino Project Forward

The proposal, known as House Bill 1038, passed the chamber by a slim margin of 26–22. If enacted, the measure would authorize a new gaming license and open the door for a large-scale development in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben counties, reported The Indiana Capital Chronicle. Developers would need to commit at least $500 million to construction and related infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Supporters argued that such an investment could transform northeastern Indiana’s economy by attracting visitors and creating jobs. Bill sponsor Justin Busch suggested the project would be designed as a full resort destination rather than a standalone gambling floor, with long-term economic benefits for the region.

Critics, though, focused on the absence of a local referendum. They noted that residents in other Indiana communities had been allowed to vote before casinos were approved. Opponents, including Liz Brown, warned that bypassing a public vote risks sidelining community concerns and undermining trust in the process.

Indiana Casino Bill Adds License, Sends Plan Back to House

The Senate’s version of the bill differs from earlier proposals in several key ways. Rather than relocating an existing license, it would expand Indiana’s gaming market to include a 14th casino while allowing the Rising Star Casino Resort to continue operating. The revised measure introduces a licensing fee of $150 million, with most of the revenue flowing to the state’s general fund and a portion earmarked for communities affected by potential casino closures.

The debate over the location has been intense. A state-commissioned analysis identified downtown Indianapolis as the most lucrative potential site, but concerns about competition with existing casinos and the cost of compensation payments to nearby operators led lawmakers to dismiss that option in negotiations.

The bill must now return to the Indiana House, which will decide whether to accept the Senate’s amendments before the legislative session concludes. If both chambers agree on a final version, northeastern Indiana could soon become the focus of the state’s next major casino investment, although the lack of a direct public vote remains a point of contention likely to persist even if the project moves forward.