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The Steuben County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution July 21 directing county officials to place a casino referendum on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, allowing residents to decide whether inland casino gambling should be permitted in the county.
The vote marks the second time commissioners have approved a referendum resolution after adopting a similar measure during a May 5 meeting.
Mandatory referendum heads to November ballot
The referendum is mandated under House Bill 1038, which Gov. Mike Braun signed into law earlier this year. The legislation allows Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties to compete for Indiana’s newest casino license while requiring each county to hold a referendum during the 2026 general election.
Voters will be asked: “Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in (insert county name)?”
Counties that reject the referendum will be ineligible for the license, while those that approve it may be considered by casino operators seeking to develop a new gaming destination in northeast Indiana.
Although some local election officials previously questioned whether a county resolution was necessary, the law requires the referendum regardless of local support or opposition.
Steuben County Commissioner Andy Laughlin said the board approved the resolution following guidance from County Attorney Donald Stuckey. Board President Wil Howard said commissioners were acting in accordance with House Bill 1038.
Northeast Indiana remains key casino target
The Indiana casino opportunity stems from a state-commissioned gaming study that examined potential locations for future casino development.
The findings helped shape House Bill 1038, which authorizes a new inland casino license that can be awarded in Allen, DeKalb or Steuben counties if voters approve local referendums, according to news by Indiana Public Radio.
While no site has been officially selected, local leaders have repeatedly identified the Interstate 69 and Indiana Toll Road corridor near Fremont in Steuben County as the ideal location for a casino because of its access to travelers from Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Gaming applicants face steep investment requirements
House Bill 1038 requires casino applicants to pay a $150 million application fee and commit to at least $500 million in capital investment over five years, with 60% of that spending occurring within the first two years after licensing.
The legislation also includes a $50 million relocation fee and a $30 million payment to Ohio County to offset the loss of an existing gaming license. Developers must also include non-gaming amenities such as a hotel, entertainment venue and restaurants.
Economic study projects major local benefits
Supporters say a new casino in Indiana could bring jobs, tourism and new tax revenue to Steuben County.
A study commissioned by the Steuben County Economic Development Corp. and conducted by AM Steinberg Advisors estimated annual gaming tax revenue could range from $14.1 million to $16.6 million during the property’s early years and eventually increase to between $56 million and $60 million as the facility matures.
The report also projected the development could create between 800 and 1,200 full-time jobs with average annual salaries ranging from $45,000 to $60,000 and generate annual payroll of between $36 million and $72 million.
Applications for the license are expected after voters weigh in this November.
