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Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., is campaigning against a proposed casino in northeast Indiana. He argues that the social costs of expanded gambling outweigh the promised economic benefits. Voters in Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties will decide Nov. 3, less than three weeks from now, whether to permit inland casino gambling in their counties.
Stutzman, a Republican who previously served in the Indiana General Assembly and worked on gaming policy, said in an interview with WOWO that he has long opposed bringing a casino to the region. He said he plans to keep speaking out before Election Day.
What the casino referendum actaully decides
Under House Enrolled Act 1038, which Gov. Mike Braun signed in March, election boards in all three counties must ask voters whether inland casino gambling should be permitted in their county.
A “yes” vote does not approve a casino. It makes a county eligible to host one. If at least one county approves, casino operators have until Dec. 1 to apply to the Indiana Gaming Commission. Applicants must name the county where they want to build.
If more than one county approves, the applicant chooses among them. The commission can approve only one application and must decide by April 15, 2027. If no county approves, the process ends, and any next step would be up to lawmakers, according to commission officials quoted by WANE.
The winning applicant must pay the state a $150 million fee and invest at least $500 million in the project within five years.
Stutzman disputes casino economic promises
Stutzman said Indiana already has one of the nation’s largest gaming markets. He also rejected arguments that a casino would boost the region through jobs, investment and tax revenue.
“You’re going to actually hurt people,” he said. He argued that a casino would make gambling more accessible to residents of Fort Wayne and surrounding communities. He also said gambling addiction could increase demand for public services.
Stutzman said the region’s strengths lie elsewhere, pointing to its family-oriented culture and its agriculture, manufacturing, health care and education sectors.
Concerns about addiction, crime and culture
Stutzman described gambling as an unhealthy habit and urged communities to weigh the consequences of expanding access to it. He also raised moral objections, saying casino culture clashes with what makes the region distinctive.
He voiced concern about crime near casinos, though he acknowledged the gaming industry argues that better security can address those worries. He added that people deciding whether to live in Fort Wayne are more likely to consider schools, hospitals and jobs than nearby gambling options.
Stutzman urged voters to consider how casinos have changed elsewhere in the state. He cited riverboat casinos in northwest Indiana, which began on the water, later moved onto land and now operate around the clock.
He cautioned that a casino approved in any of the three counties could end up looking different from what voters first imagine and would affect the surrounding community.
Supporters cite jobs, tourism, tax revenue
Backers say a casino would create jobs, boost tourism and add tax revenue. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker has said she is optimistic about a casino’s economic benefits and would support a proposal within city limits, according to WANE.
The Allen County commissioners backed putting the question on the ballot but said any casino would need strong community health and quality-of-life requirements.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle reported in April that persistent resident opposition had raised doubts about whether Allen County voters would approve the referendum.
Stutzman backs existing industries over gambling
Stutzman said northeast Indiana should build on industries already growing rather than rely on casino gaming. He pointed to manufacturing, which he said continues to offer opportunities despite uncertainty over tariffs and trade negotiations.
He said companies are drawn to the region by its culture, infrastructure, honesty and integrity, and that the region can keep attracting higher-paying jobs without casino gaming in its economic plan.
