(INDIANAPOLIS) - Steuben and DeKalb counties are now on the list of communities that could be eligible for a relocated casino under legislation advancing at the Indiana Statehouse.
The Indiana House Public Policy Committee voted 9-1 on Thursday to amend House Bill 1038, expanding the number of counties eligible to receive a relocated casino license currently held in Rising Sun. In addition to Allen County, which was originally named in the bill, the amendment adds Steuben, DeKalb and Wayne counties.
Officials from Steuben and Wayne counties testified during Thursday's hearing. No testimony was offered from DeKalb or Allen county representatives.
All three Steuben County commissioners -- Wil Howard, Andy Laughlin and Rick Shipe -- attended the hearing, along with June Julien, executive director of the Steuben County Tourism Bureau and State Rep. Tony Isa.
So far, DeKalb County officials have not expressed interest in pursuing a casino. State Sen. Tyler Johnson, who represents DeKalb County, has publicly opposed locating a casino there. Representative Ben Smaltz of Auburn has publicly expressed reservations, citing possible negative impacts of a casino in DeKalb County. Sen. Liz Brown has also opposed a casino in Allen County.
If the legislation ultimately passes, a final decision on where the casino would land would not be made until at least April 2027.
The Indiana Gaming Commission would oversee a competitive application and bidding process open to existing casino license holders in the state.
Applications would be accepted starting Oct. 1, after which the Gaming Commission would release summaries of the proposals and begin collecting sealed bids. By April 15, the commission would be required to select a winning proposal.
A state-commissioned study released in October by Spectrum Gaming identified several potential sites for relocated or new casino licenses, including Indianapolis and an area along State Road 8 near Interstate 69 in DeKalb County. Wayne County officials noted their county ranked third in the study, though committee members emphasized Indianapolis and northeast Indiana as the top two locations.
Local officials have repeatedly cited Steuben County's location close to the Michigan and Ohio state borders, the intersection of I-69 and the Indiana Toll Road, and existing tourism infrastructure as factors conducive to a potential casino operation.
Unlike previous casino proposals, the current legislation does not require a public referendum. Instead, letters of support would be required from a county's board of commissioners and, if applicable, a city mayor. Angola Mayor Dave Martin, the county commissioners, the county council, and local chambers of commerce have all expressed interest in being part of the casino conversation.
If approved, the casino license would cost approximately $50 million, with a minimum private investment of $500 million for a casino resort. The project would create approximately 800 new jobs.
The bill now heads to the House Ways and Means Committee before advancing to the full House. If approved, it would move to the Senate for consideration before the legislative session ends in February.