Summary:
- A new analysis estimates a local casino would generate more than $107 million a year in taxes, including $25 million for the city.
- City leaders and business groups support the idea, while opponents warn about crime, addiction and infrastructure strain.
- The study projects hundreds of permanent jobs and nearly 2,500 construction jobs during development.
A Indiana casino in the Fort Wayne area could bring in more than $107 million a year in tax revenue, including about $25 million that would go directly to the city, according to a new study released Tuesday by Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Allen County Council Meeting
The analysis, prepared by global real estate and consulting firm CBRE, primarily looked at the potential impact of building a casino in or near Fort Wayne. While the study was completed in November, it was not made public until Tuesday, the same day the Allen County Council held a public forum on the issue.
A similar CBRE study in October 2024 financed by Full House Resorts focused on a proposed casino in New Haven, estimating roughly $80 million in annual tax revenue, including roughly $18 million for city government.
Full House Resorts, which operates gaming properties in several states including Illinois, Mississippi, Colorado and Nevada, has been pushing to develop a $500 million casino, hotel and entertainment complex in New Haven. The plan depended on approval from state lawmakers to move the company’s gaming license from southeastern Indiana to Allen County.
That effort stalled last year when the legislation died in committee after a packed public hearing in Indianapolis. Opponents raised concerns about crime, gambling addiction and pressure on local infrastructure.
Casino Lobbyists and Opponents Speak Up
Support for a casino remains strong among city leaders and business groups. Mayor Sharon Tucker and Greater Fort Wayne officials have publicly backed the idea and promoted it through a campaign called Fort Wayne First.
On the other side, a citizens group called Save Fort Wayne argues that a casino would do more harm than good. The group says it represents a broad mix of residents and points to data it believes shows increased risks tied to casino development.
John Urbahns, president and CEO of Greater Fort Wayne, said the latest study has been part of the group’s internal planning for months.
As the Fort Wayne First public education campaign matured and the findings began to inform broader communications, we felt it was appropriate to make the full study available. We recognize there are a range of perspectives on this issue and expect continued debate. Our goal in releasing the study is to remain transparent and support an informed conversation by making credible, third-party data accessible to everyone as they consider the issue
Beyond tax revenue, the new report puts the focus on jobs. Once the casino is fully up and running, which the study estimates would take about three years, it could support 947 direct jobs and another 729 jobs tied to suppliers and increased local spending.
The construction phase would also be significant. CBRE projects nearly 2,500 direct and indirect construction jobs during development, adding a short term but substantial boost to employment across Allen County and northeast Indiana.
State lawmakers are still considering bills that would allow casino licenses in both Allen County and Indianapolis, keeping the debate very much alive for now.
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