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A study released Friday, March 27, found that a casino in Indiana’s far northeastern corner would likely attract the majority of its gamblers from out of state. The findings could provide Steuben County with new momentum in its push for what would be the state’s largest gambling expansion.
Solving Steuben’s seasonal economy with year-round gaming
The Steuben County Economic Development Corp. (SCEDC) commissioned AM Steinberg Advisors to analyze the potential impact of an Indiana casino near the intersection of Interstate 69 and the Indiana Toll Road. The study concludes that Steuben County’s location—roughly 40 miles north of Fort Wayne—is its greatest asset.
The data suggests a unique “tri-state” draw:
- 48% of revenue would likely come from Michigan
- 14% from Ohio
- 38% from Indiana
Nearly two-thirds of projected earnings would come from gamblers crossing state lines. Furthermore, analysts noted that a casino would solve a major local economic hurdle: seasonality. While the county thrives in the summer when 4,300 lake homes are occupied, the economy stalls in the winter. A casino could provide the year-round revenue stream necessary to diversify the tourism-heavy region.
Steuben County’s case against Allen County
Steuben is one of three counties in the Fort Wayne region with a referendum on the November ballot, following the passage of House Bill 1038. The law requires a licensee to invest at least $500 million in the property and pay a $150 million state fee.
While many state officials initially viewed Allen County as the front-runner due to Fort Wayne’s population, Steuben County leaders are countering with a demographic argument. Isaac Lee, CEO of the SCEDC, emphasized that the study provides the community with objective data to evaluate the proposal.
“We simply wanted the people of this community, and those making decisions that impact their lives, to be armed with accurate information,” Lee said, noting that a large local population does not guarantee the same yield as a site with multi-state proximity.
Key dates for the 2027 Indiana casino decision
The path to a 2027 opening is on an accelerated track. Joe Hoage, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, noted that the timeline is “compressed,” putting significant pressure on the upcoming months:
- November: Residents in Steuben, DeKalb, and Allen counties vote on their respective referendums.
- Dec. 1: Companies must submit formal applications for the license.
- April 15, 2027: The Indiana Gaming Commission is expected to announce the winning site.
While officials like Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker have supported the move in Allen County, that proposal has faced significant public backlash. In contrast, polling remains scarce for Steuben and DeKalb, leaving the outcome of the November vote uncertain.
Why this casino breaks the urban mold
If approved, this would be the first increase to Indiana’s gambling options since 2019, when the state greenlit sports wagering and casinos in Terre Haute and Gary. Unlike those urban developments, a Steuben County casino would represent a shift toward “border-capture” gaming.
According to the study, first reported by WTHI-TV, this geographic edge is exactly why the county remains a top contender as the region heads toward the November vote.
