A political action committee focused on pro-gaming is campaigning to persuade voters in Allen County to support the establishment of a casino.
Vote Yes for Allen County Casino has launched a 90-second advertisement highlighting the potential economic advantages of introducing a gaming resort to the third most populous county in Indiana. The campaign suggests that a casino near Fort Wayne, the second-largest city in the state, could result in the creation of 2,000 permanent jobs and over $100 million in new government revenue annually without the need for tax increases.
“We think education is key,” said Tim Haffner, spokesperson for Vote Yes for Allen County Casino, to WPTA. “Our aim is to ensure people are well-informed and can make a knowledgeable decision when voting in November.”
On November 3, 2026, Allen County voters will decide on whether to permit inland casino gambling in the county. A positive vote would enable Allen County to compete for a commercial casino license by submitting bids and presenting the project to the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC).
Highlighting the Big Benefits
According to Vote Yes for Allen County Casino, a casino in Fort Wayne could lead to tax relief for residents, funding for infrastructure, public safety, schools, and support for local small businesses by attracting new visitors to the city.
“A yes for jobs, a yes for economic opportunity, a yes to support our community,” the narrator states in the advertisement. “A new casino could have a positive impact on our county, and we have the ability to ensure it is established where our community can benefit.”
However, there is opposition to a casino in Allen County. Save Fort Wayne, a group of anonymous business owners, residents, and faith leaders, believes that a casino could lead to negative consequences such as addiction and crime.
The group’s website features an interactive slot machine showcasing alleged negative outcomes like “addiction,” “bankruptcies,” “divorces,” “mental health issues,” “fatal accidents,” “child neglect,” “human trafficking,” and “poverty.”
Introduction of a Casino in Northeast Indiana
Voters in DeKalb and Steuben counties will also have a say on casino authorization. House Bill 1038, signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) in March, permits a single casino to be established in one of the three counties.
This legislation was prompted by Full House Resorts, a regional gaming operator based in Las Vegas, expressing interest in relocating its Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun to a more favorable market, particularly in northeastern Indiana.
During the legislative process, Full House’s exclusivity was removed to allow any US-licensed commercial casino company to bid on the potential license. Additionally, a $150 million fee and a minimum investment of $500 million were imposed, discouraging Full House’s participation.
“The bill underwent numerous changes. We have been profitable in Rising Sun and will continue to be for the benefit of our shareholders and the state,” said Full House CEO Daniel Lee in March.
If any county approves a local casino referendum, the county government will need to request proposals and submit a winning project to the IGC.