Fort Wayne Leaders Push Hard for State-Approved Casino

(FORT WAYNE) - Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker is throwing her full support behind a proposal to bring a state-regulated casino to Allen County. Testifying before lawmakers Thursday, Tucker called the opportunity "too big to pass up." She says the city and the Allen County Commissioners have already agreed on a plan to share casino tax revenue based on population--no matter where a potential casino might be built. Both the mayor and all three county commissioners have sent letters urging lawmakers to move the bill forward. Tucker said she's open to a public referendum but warned that moving quickly could help the region stay ahead of any possible competition, including speculation about the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, which recently bought land on Fritz Road. The tribe has denied plans for a casino. Local businessman Tom Kelley told lawmakers the proposal includes dedicating 40 percent of local casino tax revenue to mental health, addiction treatment, and homelessness services. Commissioner Rich Beck said those community benefits are essential if a casino is approved. Supporters argue the project could create more than 1,000 jobs and keep an estimated $50 million in gaming dollars from leaving the state each year. But opponents, including the Coalition for a Better Allen County, urged lawmakers to consider the social costs and potential harms--not just the financial upside. Economic leaders from Steuben County also testified, saying their region is well-positioned to draw casino visitors from Michigan and Ohio.