A new legislative effort would allow a casino in Allen County
Indiana lawmakers are weighing major changes to where casinos can operate, with new legislation opening the door for a gaming license in Allen County — home to Fort Wayne, the state’s second-largest city. A bill introduced by Rep. Chad Snow would require the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) to accept applications for a casino project in the region, giving developers a chance to compete for the opportunity.
The proposal follows an IGC-commissioned market study released in October, which identified Fort Wayne as a strong location for a future casino. That report estimated a property in or near the city could generate more than $204 million in annual gross gaming revenue, making it one of the most attractive untapped markets in northern Indiana.
Snow’s measure, House Bill 1038, sets clear terms for any company that wins the bid. The selected operator would need to pay a one-time $50 million licensing fee, and the state projects around $38.3 million in recurring yearly tax revenue from the new casino. Those figures account for a likely decline in wagering taxes from Indiana’s two racinos, which could lose some business if a Fort Wayne casino opens.
The bill has been sent to the House Public Policy Committee, led by Rep. Ethan Manning, who previously championed online gambling legislation. Early support is already forming outside the Statehouse. Greater Fort Wayne Inc., which launched its “Fort Wayne First” campaign, says a casino could serve as a major economic engine, citing long-term job creation and a potential $500 million-plus private investment.
Full House Resorts is also closely watching the process. The company has pushed for permission to relocate its Rising Sun Casino license to Allen County after pitching a major development in New Haven featuring gaming, a hotel, and entertainment venues. An earlier relocation bill failed, but the new proposal gives the company — and its competitors — another path into the market.
Lawmakers will continue debating the measure through the current legislative session, which runs until late February.
