Push for Fort Wayne-area casino narrowly clears state Senate

1 week ago 2

(INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — The Indiana Senate narrowly endorsed a plan for establishing a new casino in the Fort Wayne area as several senators objected to the lack of a local referendum on whether residents support such a project.

Senators voted 26-22 on Tuesday in favor of House Bill 1038, which would authorize a 14th state casino license. It would allow three northeastern Indiana counties — Allen, DeKalb and Steuben — to pursue the casino project, with the winning company required to spend at least $500 million on the casino and related amenities.

Several government and business officials from those counties have supported the casino effort. But it has faced persistent opposition from residents who some senators argued should have the chance to vote in a local referendum as has happened before casinos opened in other counties.

Northeast Indiana Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, cast the deciding vote to move the bill forward.