- A new casino could be taking shape in northeast Indiana, as the state has opened the floor to license bids.
- Allen County brings the population weight and tourism track record to the table that makes it the obvious name to watch among the three counties in contention.
- Nothing gets built without a thumbs up from local voters, who go to the polls on the question in November 2026.
FORT WAYNE - Indiana has kicked off the bidding process for a brand new casino license in the northeastern region of the state.
House Bill 1038, which permits competition for a casino license in one of three counties - Allen, DeKalb, or Steuben — was signed into law earlier this month by Governor Mike Braun.
Applications are being accepted by the Indiana Gaming Commission through December 1, 2026. Any American operator of a physical casino may submit an application.
There are substantial financial requirements. Within five years of opening, the winning operator must pledge to invest at least $500 million in building and development in addition to paying a $150 million application fee.
This makes it one of the priciest casino license prospects Indiana has seen in recent years, with a total cost of almost $650 million.
Where the Casino Could Be Built
Early on, Allen County has drawn attention, and it's easy to understand why. Located in the heart of Indiana's second-largest metro region, Fort Wayne is home to nearly 463,000 people as well as a constant stream of tourists that keep the city bustling all year long.
The region may generate more than $200 million in gross gaming revenue annually, according to gaming specialists hired by the state. This kind of amount places it at the top of the Midwest's list of best legal casinos.
Situated near the crossroads of I-69 and the Indiana Toll Road, Steuben County is also a potential consideration. According to local estimates, over half of its prospective tourists would originate from outside of Indiana, which supporters believe may compensate for the area's lower population of about 35,000.
Although local officials in DeKalb County have mainly been silent about the prospect of opening a casino there, the county is officially in the race.
All three counties' citizens will cast ballots in November 2026 to directly vote on the issue. There would be fourteen legal casinos in Indiana if the referendum is approved. At some point in 2027, the Gaming Commission intends to provide licenses.