- Anonymous coalition Save Fort Wayne mobilizes against two casino bills under review in the state legislature.
- Municipal leaders endorse the project with revenue distribution plan targeting community funding and social services.
- Opposition calls for public vote on casino proposal, citing concerns over job quality and social impact.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A new opposition group has emerged to challenge plans that could bring a casino to Indiana's second-largest city. Save Fort Wayne, an anonymous coalition of local business and finance professionals, launched a campaign against two legislative proposals currently under consideration in the state capitol.
Senate Bill 70 and House Bill 1038, which present various options for allowing legal blackjack and other casino gaming in Allen County, are at the heart of the issue. Full House Resorts would be able to move its current Rising Star Casino from Ohio County to the Fort Wayne region thanks to SB 70. Since Cincinnati launched its own casino and Kentucky approved slot machines that resembled old horse racing machines, the company's current site has experienced financial difficulties.
By establishing a whole new casino license for Allen County, HB 1038 adopts a different strategy. A $50 million upfront licensing fee and a $500 million minimum investment in gaming and non-gaming facilities are required by the measure. According to economic estimates, the casino may produce over 2,400 jobs and over $80 million in tax revenue annually.
Local Officials Back Casino Plans
60% of the proceeds from the proposed tax distribution would go to communities around the county, with the remaining amounts going to NGOs that provide homelessness alleviation, addiction treatment, and mental health services. The Allen County Board of Commissioners and Mayor Sharon Tucker have supported the opening of a casino in the area.
Save Fort Wayne contends that these advantages are exaggerated, though. Addiction, an increase in crime, and what they refer to as "local wealth extraction" are among the possible repercussions that the group's website warns about. According to their own economic analysis, the promised high-paying jobs would instead be transient and low-paying occupations.
Securing a public referendum on the matter is the main objective of the opposition group. They cite survey results that indicate public opposition rises as locals become more aware of possible drawbacks. While Indiana blackjack sites remain unregulated online, this decision could significantly impact the state's gambling landscape.
Mayor Tucker's office acknowledged valuing public feedback but expressed concerns that a referendum could slow the process. The Indiana General Assembly will ultimately determine whether Fort Wayne gets a casino.