Published on: January 21, 2026, at 08:54h.
Updated on: January 21, 2026, at 09:57h.
- A recent analysis indicates that a casino in Fort Wayne would significantly benefit the regional economy.
- Indiana legislators are still assessing casino bills to enable a gaming resort in Allen County or other regions.
An economic analysis reveals that investing in a casino resort in Fort Wayne would be advantageous for the city and the broader state of Indiana.
Last year, a study commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) identified Indianapolis and Fort Wayne as two promising locations for new casinos. In response, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., a group focused on economic growth and job creation, conducted further research to see if a casino would align with their goals.
The prominent real estate firm CBRE was engaged to carry out the study. According to their findings presented on Tuesday, establishing a casino in Fort Wayne would represent a significant advantage for Indiana’s second-largest city.
Advantages of a Fort Wayne Casino
CBRE analysts predict that a Fort Wayne casino could generate approximately $28.1 million in local tax revenue annually once stabilized, expected by the third year of its operations. This figure excludes an additional $13.1 million from taxes related to food and beverage sales, hotel occupancy, and property taxes.
The firm anticipates that a casino would create about 1,000 direct jobs, along with over 700 indirect roles arising from supplier activities and heightened consumer spending. During the construction phase, approximately 2,500 direct and indirect jobs are expected to emerge in Allen County.
“The results highlight substantial long-term benefits for the local community, characterized by increased revenue and job creation,” stated a release from Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “CBRE’s analysis indicates that a casino project in Allen County would yield economic gains that are mostly incremental, attracting fresh spending to the county and recapturing gaming dollars currently being spent in other localities with gaming establishments.”
CBRE also reported that any adverse effects on existing Indiana casinos would be “minimal.” Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is planning to launch advertising campaigns via TV and radio to highlight the economic advantages of establishing a casino.
Indiana Casino Legislation Overview
State legislators are analyzing proposals that would allow Full House Resorts to shift its Rising Sun gaming license to a more favorable location, possibly Fort Wayne. Other legislative initiatives aim to introduce an additional casino license and set a competitive bidding process for its development.
Local authorities in Wayne County are expressing interest in hosting a casino, as the 2025 IGC study indicated that Richmond is currently under-resourced in terms of gaming options.
In Fort Wayne, there is notable opposition to the casino initiative. An unidentified collective of business leaders has come together to launch the “Save Fort Wayne” campaign against new gaming establishments.
On Tuesday evening, the Allen County City Council listened to residents sharing their views regarding the casino proposal, with many expressing dissent. Council members informed the community that the decision ultimately rests with state lawmakers, who must enact legislation to permit a casino in Allen County.