Indiana casino bill heads to governor; referendum added after push for public input
The public and lawmakers alike have advocated for voter involvement on the northeast Indiana casino proposal
INDIANAPOLIS (WPTA) - Voters in Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties will now get to give their input on whether or not they would like a casino to be built in their community.
On the final day of the 2026 legislative session, the House and Senate voted to approve changes to House Bill 1038, which would allow the creation of a casino in one of the three above counties.
The latest version of the bill requires Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties to place a public question on the 2026 General Election ballot that seeks voter approval to permit inland casino gaming.
It then prohibits the Indiana Gaming Commission from awarding an owner’s license to operate a casino in the county if the voters of the county do not approve the referendum.
The bill allows for a new casino in one of the three northeast Indiana counties without the closure of the Rising Star Casino in southern Indiana.
Any operator of a brick-and-mortar casino located in the U.S. may then apply for the casino project by submitting an application no later than Dec 1, 2026.
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According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, the company that wins the license must spend at least $500 million on the casino and related amenities within five years.
The House passed the measure 56-37, sending it back to the Senate, where it passed 34-16.
It now heads to Governor Mike Braun’s desk.
House Democrat Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) noted that the referendum requirement is consistent with any other time that licenses have been moved, most recently seen in Vigo County.
Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) also previously shared concerns that Allen County voters were not included in the decision.
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