Voters in three northeast Indiana counties—Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben—have a rare opportunity to directly decide the fate of a potential $500 million casino development. Public Question No. 3 on their ballots asks whether inland casino gambling should be allowed in their county.
Supporters of the plan, organized under campaigns like “Yes for Allen,” argue that the project is a vital economic engine for the region. Tom Borne, a retired advertising executive involved with the initiative, says the area needs major revenue sources to sustain and improve local communities. Steve Corona, the longest-serving member of the Fort Wayne Community Schools board, initially hesitated due to his personal dislike of gambling, but ultimately backed the effort after learning his school district lost millions in property tax revenue under recent state tax changes. He views the casino as a necessary lifeline for schools and a source of thousands of jobs.
Opponents, including the Coalition for a Better Indiana and its “No casiNO” campaign, warn that the casino industry is inherently predatory. Kristen Bissontz, a volunteer leader with the group, says the industry targets the most vulnerable, using bright lights and fast-paced games to keep people playing until they run out of money. U.S. Representative Marlin Stutzman also voiced opposition, arguing that expanding gambling goes against the community’s core values and threatens the strong economic development the area has built.
Under the legislative framework, if a county votes yes, developers can apply for the new license by December 1st. A yes vote requires a developer to invest at least $500 million, with the majority spent within two years, and pay $100 million for the license. If a county votes no, state law blocks any future referendums on the topic in that county.
