Published on: January 6, 2026, 03:31h.
Updated on: January 6, 2026, 03:31h.
- Wayne County, IN, officials are pushing for casino opportunities
- Indiana legislators are evaluating two casino-related proposals
Lawmakers in Indiana are assessing proposals that may open the door for a 14th casino license or enable an existing licensee to shift operations to a more lucrative market. In light of this potential legislation, Wayne County is actively seeking consideration for a casino development.
A recent analysis by the Indiana Gaming Commission indicates that the cities of Indianapolis and Fort Wayne hold the greatest promise for new casino establishments. However, the study conducted by Spectrum Gaming, a well-regarded gaming consultancy in Pennsylvania, identified Wayne County as another area with substantial untapped potential.
The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County has announced a budget of $30,000 directed towards hiring casino lobbyists to advocate for the county’s inclusion in legislative discussions on gaming.
Western Wayne News reports that the EDC has enlisted RJL Solutions, an organization that previously collaborated with local business leaders over five years ago to bring a casino to Terre Haute. The Churchill Downs’ Terre Haute Casino Resort was inaugurated in April 2024.
Wayne County Casino Prospects
Spectrum’s focus primarily on Indianapolis and Fort Wayne concluded that a casino in the state capital could yield nearly $500 million in annual gross gaming revenue. Meanwhile, a Fort Wayne casino is projected to attract over $200 million annually from patrons, though specific revenue estimates for Wayne County were not provided.
Indiana legislators are currently deliberating on two key gaming bills. One proposal aims to establish a 14th casino license designated for Allen County, which houses Fort Wayne, and initiate a competitive bidding process for a $50 million license. The other bill would permit Full House Resorts to relocate its operations from Rising Sun to Allen County.
The EDC in Wayne County anticipates that a casino could generate hundreds of employment opportunities and increase local tax revenue significantly. The Economic Development Corporation is financially supported by the county’s Economic Development Income Tax, which is set at 0.25% of the adjusted gross personal income.
RJL Solutions is set to collaborate with the EDC to pinpoint state legislators who would advocate for a bill allowing Wayne County to conduct a local ballot referendum on casino development. Should the referendum receive majority voter approval, the casino license would then be sanctioned.
Richmond, the administrative hub of Wayne County, is situated approximately 80 air miles south of Fort Wayne, where Full House is keen to invest.
Demographics of Wayne County
Nestled in east-central Indiana, bordering Ohio, Wayne County has an approximate population of 66,000 residents. The county is named after General Anthony Wayne, who served in both the Revolutionary War and the Northwest Indian War.
As of 2023, the median household income in Wayne County stands at $53,000, significantly lower than the state average of $69,500. With over 17%, Wayne County boasts one of the highest poverty rates in Indiana.
Key employers in Wayne County include Reid Health, Richmond Community Schools, Belden, and the State Hospital.