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A nonpartisan nonprofit is bringing the casino debate directly to Fort Wayne residents this weekend. The Coalition for a Better Indiana has scheduled a public discussion on casino impacts for Saturday, April 18, from 9 to 10 a.m. on the Allen County Courthouse green, 715 S. Calhoun St.
The event, titled “Our Community, Our Future: A Casino Impact Discussion,” gives area residents a chance to hear from state legislators and ask questions about the potential effects of a casino before a November referendum decides the matter.
Why your November vote matters
The discussion comes at a pivotal moment. Gov. Mike Braun signed House Enrolled Act 1038 earlier this year, opening the door for a new casino in northeast Indiana. However, the project does not move forward automatically. Voters in Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben counties must first approve it through a referendum on the November ballot.
The bill cleared the Indiana House 56–37 and the Senate 34–16. Whichever company ultimately wins the license must invest at least $500 million in the casino and other amenities within five years. House Bill 1038 requires the Indiana Gaming Commission to award the license by April 15, 2027.
The Coalition for a Better Indiana says residents deserve to understand the process before casting their ballots. The organization focuses on facilitating civil discourse and helping communities communicate with decision-makers.
Lawmakers to address community concerns
Three state lawmakers plan to attend Saturday’s forum:
- State Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne
- State Rep. Dave Heine, R-Fort Wayne
- State Rep. Chris Judy, R-Fort Wayne
Brown has been an outspoken advocate for community input. During the Senate debate earlier this year, she argued that residents should have the final say and expressed frustration over suggestions that public opposition might doom a referendum.
Attendees will have the opportunity to question the legislators and hear an overview of how the casino licensing process works under state law.
Economic potential vs. community pushback
The prospect of a casino in northeast Indiana has faced pushback. While Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker and other Allen County officials have backed the effort, significant community opposition has raised questions about whether a referendum would pass in Allen County.
Meanwhile, Steuben County leaders have pitched their location — near the intersection of Interstate 69 and the Indiana Toll Road — as an ideal site due to its proximity to Michigan and Ohio. A feasibility study commissioned by the Steuben County Economic Development Corp. projected that a casino at that site would draw roughly 62% of its gaming revenue from out-of-state visitors.
Supporters argue the project carries major economic potential. Senate sponsor Justin Busch, R-Fort Wayne, described the proposal as “destination development” featuring hotels, dining, and entertainment, representing a long-term investment in the region.
Join the conversation Saturday at the courthouse
As originally reported by The Journal Gazette, Saturday’s event is open to the public. No registration is required. The Coalition for a Better Indiana says its goal is to give residents the information they need to make their voices count.
For those unable to attend, more details are available at www.betterin.org.
With the November referendum approaching, Saturday’s forum serves as one of the first structured opportunities for Fort Wayne-area residents to hear directly from the lawmakers shaping the debate.
