Steuben County has officially doubled down on its efforts to secure a lucrative casino license, launching a comprehensive new website this week designed to sway public opinion and state lawmakers. With the Indiana General Assembly currently debating House Bill 1038—a piece of legislation that could reshape the state’s gaming landscape—the county is making a digital power play to prove it is the premier destination for a proposed $500 million resort.
The new online platform offers a glossy glimpse into what a “Steuben County Casino Resort” could look like, framing the project not just as a gambling hall, but as a transformative economic engine. As legislators in Indianapolis weigh the future of the gaming license currently held by Rising Star Casino, Steuben officials are racing to distinguish their community from stiff regional competition.
A Digital Pitch for Economic Growth
The newly launched website serves as the centerpiece of Steuben County’s campaign, meticulously detailing the potential windfall for the local community. Rather than focusing solely on gaming tables and slot machines, the site positions the project as a “regional entertainment hub” capable of drawing tourists from neighboring Michigan and Ohio.
Local officials argue that this tri-state appeal makes Steuben the most strategic location for the license. The website outlines ambitious promises, projecting that the development would serve as a massive economic anchor.
- Job Creation: Hundreds of temporary construction roles and permanent operations jobs.
- Local Vendor Support: Commitments to source goods and services from area businesses.
- Infrastructure Investment: Revenue earmarked for upgrading public services and community roads.
“This is not just an entertainment venue—it is a cornerstone for sustainable economic growth,” the website proclaims. By bringing these arguments directly to the public, the county hopes to build a groundswell of local support that will resonate within the Statehouse halls.
The Legislative Battlefield
The catalyst for this digital campaign is House Bill 1038, a high-profile measure that has already cleared the Indiana House of Representatives. The bill proposes moving an underperforming casino license from Rising Sun, located on the Ohio River, to a more profitable inland location in northeast Indiana.
Originally, legislative discussions favored Allen County as the sole recipient. However, a crucial amendment expanded the field, allowing Steuben, DeKalb, and Wayne counties to throw their hats in the ring. This pivot turned a one-horse race into a four-way contest, sparking a frenzy of lobbying and public relations efforts.
Key Legislative Details:
- House Vote: The bill passed the House last week with strong momentum.
- Senate Action: The Senate Public Policy Committee approved the bill on Wednesday after hearing testimony, sending it to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
- Investment Floor: Any winning operator must commit to investing at least $500 million in the new development.
Northeast Indiana’s Four-Way Face-Off
The competition for the license is fierce. While Steuben County promotes its lakes and proximity to state borders, Allen County remains a heavyweight contender due to the population density of Fort Wayne. DeKalb and Wayne counties are also vying for the opportunity, each presenting unique arguments regarding economic need and development potential.
HB 1038 creates a competitive bidding process. If the bill becomes law, existing casino operators across Indiana would be invited to submit proposals to the Indiana Gaming Commission. The Commission would then evaluate the bids based on economic impact, job creation, and capital investment.
“From construction through daily operations, the project is expected to generate long-term revenue that can be reinvested into regional development initiatives.” — Steuben County Casino Website
This competitive structure ensures the state maximizes the value of the license, but it also means Steuben County must prove its vision offers a better return on investment than a casino in downtown Fort Wayne or near Richmond.
What Happens Next?
Despite the momentum, the finish line is still miles away. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee, a notorious hurdle where legislation often undergoes significant changes or stalls completely due to fiscal concerns.
Furthermore, local approval remains a critical piece of the puzzle. The current version of the bill allows county leaders to place a referendum on the ballot, letting voters have the final say. Steuben County’s new website explicitly states that officials would seek such a referendum, ensuring the community consents before any ground is broken.
For now, the launch of the website signals that Steuben County is done waiting on the sidelines. They are making a loud, public case that if the state wants to bet on northeast Indiana, Steuben is the winning hand.
