INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) Fort Wayne Casino Proposal Sparks Broad Debate at the Indiana Statehouse A proposal to bring a casino to Fort Wayne dominated discussion at the Indiana Statehouse as lawmakers opened debate on multiple competing gambling bills. While House Bill 1038 would add a fourteenth c asino license and open a statewide bidding process, legislators and stakeholders are also weighing whether to relocate an existing license instead of expanding the industry. House Public Policy Chair Ethan Manning acknowledged that at least four or five casino proposals are moving this session, calling this week’s hearing only the beginning of a broader conversation. Some lawmakers and industry representatives argue that transferring a license from southern Indiana—particularly from the struggling Rising Star Casino in Ohio County—would avoid creating instability in the gambling market according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. A study released in October by the Indiana Gaming Commission ranked Indianapolis as the most lucrative site for a relocated casino, followed by northeast Indiana. But placing a casino in Indianapolis could siphon revenue from casinos in Shelbyville and Anderson that help fund the state’s horse racing industry. Northeast Indiana, including Fort Wayne, was viewed as an open market that would draw business from Ohio and Michigan. Rep. Craig Snow’s legislation proposes a minimum fifty-million-dollar license fee for any new operator. The committee plans to amend and vote on the measure when lawmakers return in January. Fort Wayne leaders made a unified pitch. Mayor Sharon Tucker and Allen County Commissioners outlined how casino revenue would be divided: 60 percent distributed to communities across Allen County based on population, and 40 percent—estimated at about $11 million a year—dedicated to a humanitarian fund supporting mental-health services, addiction treatment, homelessness programs and other social needs. Business leaders say the project could deliver more than $200 million in annual economic impact and help attract new employers. But opponents warn Fort Wayne is entering “virgin territory” for casinos and fear local residents will bear the social costs of increased gambling. Some cited studies showing most casino revenue comes from nearby communities. Industry concerns also surfaced. Matt Bell of the Casino Association of Indiana argued that adding a new license would inject major instability into the investment climate, though the organization did not oppose relocating an existing license. Full House Resorts, which owns Rising Star, says northeast Indiana is the right market but prefers moving its current license rather than expanding gambling statewide. Fort Wayne officials acknowledge a tribal casino remains a possibility but say a state-regulated facility would offer stronger oversight. The question of whether voters should have a referendum remains unsettled, with some warning it would slow progress. As lawmakers return in January, the debate is expected to intensify—whether Indiana chooses to expand gaming or shift an existing casino north. The post Fort Wayne Leaders Pitch $200M Casino Impact appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less