GREAT INFORMATION at Save NE Indiana

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Summer 2026

HB 1038 (casino relocation) was passed into law. Here is what you need to know: there is a public question on the NOV ballot for all three counties (Allen, Dekalb, Steuben). If you DO NOT want a casino in your town, you must VOTE NO on Nov 3.

The enrolled version of House Bill 1038 (HEA 1038 / Public Law 77-2026) specifies the ballot language in SECTION 6, creating IC 4-33-6-19.5. The bill requires the county election board in Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County to place this exact question on the 2026 general election ballot:

"Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in (insert the name of the county)?” (Source: LegiScan, code)

What does the law entail?

  • If voters reject the question, a second public question may not be held in that county.

  • The Indiana Gaming Commission may not issue a casino license for Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben County unless that county's voters approve the public question.

  • If passed: Any gaming entity may submit an application to the Indiana Gaming Commission.

    • Applications are due by December 1, 2026.

    • The Commission reviews all applicants and selects the successful licensee. It is not required to issue a license simply because voters approved the referendum.

  • Demonstrate local government support: The application must include evidence of support from the appropriate local governmental units where the casino would be located. This means you MUST contact your county commissioner, your local council and voice your opposition to this today.

  • Commit to invest at least $500 million: applicant must submit a commitment and plan to invest at least $500 million in casino itself, and non-gaming amenities (such as hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, meeting space, etc.).

  • Meet investment deadlines: The bill requires 60% of the investment within two years after the license is awarded. The remainder within five years after the casino opens.

  • Pay a $150 million license fee. The bid winner pays $100 million to Indiana's General Fund (note: not to the local community!) They also pay $50 million to the Shuttered Riverboat Fund to assist communities affected by casino closures (because brick and mortar casinos are failing due to online predatory gambling).

  • Comply with Gaming Commission licensing requirements and local zoning ordinances. Beyond the specific requirements in HB 1038, the operator must satisfy Indiana's existing licensing standards regarding financial suitability, integrity, ownership disclosures, and regulatory compliance before receiving an owner's license. We have seen where operators are bankrupt and non-compliant in other states. Do we want this in NE Indiana?

2025 legislation authored by a senator from Huntington was brought before the Public Policy committee, but never voted on and dropped. This was due to public pushback from Sen Johnson, Sen Brown and Rep Heine. Grassroots input and testimony also played a big role. Testimony, calls, emails, prayer, and public events all helped to say “NO” to the casino.

2026 brings TWO bills. The grassroots input and testimony is needed now more than ever.

HB 1038 would grant another gaming license and open a process for operators to bid with the start at $50M. This new license would be for an ALLEN COUNTY casino. This $50M + would go to the state general fund. There are provisions for tax revenue to go to the county and municipality.

SB 70 would allow for a transfer of an existing license from Rising Sun to Allen County. Rising Star is a failing casino run by the questionable Full House corporation. Again, the legislature is being promised a great deal of tax revenue in exchange for this transfer.

Both bills need to be opposed as they actually expand gaming: one by granting a new license and both by forcing a casino into virgin territory. New addicts will be created, new families will be pushed into bankruptcy, new sex trafficking rings will be created, new organized crime will materialize.

We understand there are bad actors in elected office or public positions still claiming the Miami Tribe of OK will come and build a casino. This is false. It has been debunked by the Tribe multiple times over the last year or so. The latest letter can be seen on this page. The Tribe is not lying; they will never use their land for gaming purposes.

  • First: Be polite! The phones are answered by legislative assistants. They will ask for your name and possibly a call back # or email. Let them know that you are against both an addition of a license AND any casino in Allen County. If you are inclined, tell them why. See our research page for details and reasons.

  • Short and sweet: tell them who you are and why you oppose this legislation.

    Example:

    Dear____,

    I am Concerned Carl. I am asking you to vote NO on passing the casino legislation out of committee. Allen County does not need nor want a casino for the following reasons (then visit our research page for information and support documents)

    As a resident of Indiana, I ask again: vote NO.

    ~sign your name~

  • You can testify! See our Events page

    You can share- your family and friends need to know why you oppose. Invite them into a conversation, invite them to this website.

    You can GIVE-our members cannot do this without financial gifts. Visit our Giving Page and donate today.

  • Once you’ve written, called, shared and donated, then keep coming back. Getting legislation passed is a process with many steps. And if it makes it out of the Statehouse, then we must engage the local level leadership in the county and the city of Ft Wayne.