Published on: May 7, 2026, 05:19h.
Updated on: May 7, 2026, 05:19h.
- Voters in Steuben County have endorsed a November 2026 referendum
- Citizens will decide on the establishment of a local casino
- The casino proposal for Northeast Indiana includes a one-time fee of $150 million
On November 3, 2026, Steuben County residents will vote on whether to permit a casino resort.
In March, Indiana Governor Mike Braun (R) ratified House Bill 1038. This legislation enables local governments in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben to initiate resolutions for a countywide referendum concerning casinos, slot machines, and sports betting.
If the majority of votes on the county ballot favor the proposal, local authorities can apply for the single casino concession introduced by HB1038, which is applicable to one of the designated counties.
The official ballot text for Steuben County will read: “Should inland casino gambling be authorized in Steuben County?” This wording is based on HB1038.
With a population under 35,000, Steuben County is the smallest among the three counties involved. Wayne County has a population of 66,200, while DeKalb County has 44,530 residents.
Is Steuben a Viable Casino Location?
House Bill 1038 was proposed at the behest of Full House Resorts, an Indiana-based gaming firm that has expressed an interest in transitioning from its Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, Ohio County, to tap into a more lucrative market in the northeast.
Full House identified Fort Wayne as a prime target location, supported by a study from the Indiana Gaming Commission indicating it is the second-most underserved gaming area in the state, following Indianapolis.
However, during the legislative process of HB1038, a significant licensing fee of $150 million was introduced. Initially, the bill restricted Full House to pursue only the aforementioned counties, but an amendment during the review period allowed any U.S. casino operator to compete for the concession.
As of now, officials in Allen and DeKalb counties have shown minimal interest in advocating for a casino. If Steuben becomes the only candidate, attracting a casino operator willing to pay $150 million for a license in the state’s most northeastern region may prove challenging.
During Full House’s earnings call for 2025, CEO Daniel Lee hinted that the company might remain in Rising Sun.
The legislation underwent numerous revisions. We consistently generate profit in Rising Sun. While it may not be substantial, we continue to earn. We will maintain this for our shareholders and the state’s welfare,” Lee commented.
Steuben County is the furthest from Fort Wayne, with Angola, its largest city, housing fewer than 10,000 residents. Fort Wayne stands as Indiana’s second-most populous city, with nearly 278,000 residents.
Market Forecasts
In March, the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation published a study exploring the economic benefits associated with a casino. AM Steinberg Advisors estimated that the county might secure between $14.1 million and $16.6 million annually in gaming taxes.
The analysis projected that the Steuben casino could generate annual gross gaming revenue ranging from $188.6 million to $214 million, based on 1,200 to 1,500 slot machines, around 50 live dealer table games, and a sportsbook.
The report speculated on a $500 million casino resort featuring a 250-room hotel, a full-service spa, and various dining options. AM Steinberg Advisors suggested that such a venue would likely create between 800 and 1,200 full-time positions with yearly salaries between $45,000 and $60,000.