Myths and Facts

Fact : A referendum by definition is “a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision”.  In this case it is a yes/no ballot question on allowing casino gaming in Steuben County.  While other referendums are tied to increases in tax rates to fund schools or special government projects, this ballot question would NOT be asking for a tax increase.  Local leaders won’t seek funds to subsidize a for-profit business.   

The ballot question is ‘Public Question #3’ and is required to read: “Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in Steuben County?”

Further, the referendum is binding. If the voters of a county do not vote in favor of permitting inland casino gambling, a second public question may not be held in that county. The commission may not issue a license to allow an inland casino to operate unless the voters of the county have approved inland casino gambling in the county.

Fact : A Casino Resort is a private project that would fall in line with how other private developments are brought into our community.  We have no reason to believe there would not be the same positive financial impacts to infrastructure, emergency services, schools, and non-for-profits that are enjoyed by other casino communities.  This is why their partnerships are so sought after.

Casinos provide net decreases to tax payer liabilities not only through wagering taxes and local distribution agreement (LDA) dollars, but they are also the largest property tax payer in most of their counties. Casinos are mandated to pay portions of their profits directly back into the community and can actually off-set taxes paid by property owners. Wagering tax dollars are directed to the state, county, regional economic development, and in grants to local non-profits through Local Distribution Agreements in the host community.

LDAs from Indiana casino revenue have given additional funding to agencies like police and fire departments, YMCAs and community centers, schools, libraries, community beautification and environmental projects, and more.  Learn more under our ‘IN Casino Overview’ tab.

The estimated net benefit of casino gambling is approximately 2% of household value for households living near a casino.  Additionally, there are positive spillover effects to neighboring in-state regions and no significant costs to out-of-state border regions.  A particularly important finding for policymakers is that the benefits associated with a casino depend inversely on population density.  Casinos are more likely to create net benefits in areas where population density is low. (Source: Mike Wentz, The Journal of Gambling Business and Economics)

While this is a heavily regulated and heavily taxed industry, a Casino Resort is still a private development project.  It is NOT a government funded project.

Fact :  Tax abatements are entirely uncustomary for casino resort developments and have not been considered for Steuben County. Casino developers do not consider them in their projections or proposals as they would make for a less competitive bid. They are so uncommon in the industry that the only cases of tax breaks in the state are from a casino-affiliated hotel placed in a TIF district in East Chicago in 1999, long expired, and a 2009 federal tax credit for historic preservation in French Lick.

The 2026 House Bill on casinos, now HEA 1038, does not encourage or even mention abatements or tax incentives from host counties as opponents have suggested.

Casinos are almost always the highest property tax payer in their counties. Property taxes paid by casinos cover their infrastructure needs and more, allowing gaming revenue directed to the county to be net positive income. (See how much here )

Collections from a casino resort’s real property tax and personal property tax are NOT considered in the financial projections from the feasibility study. Property tax payments and Local Distribution Agreements contribute large amounts of additional financial support to a community outside of the gross gaming revenue taxes allotted to the county.

Fact : Local distribution agreements give additional funding to these entities helping to pay for more staffing and equipment that can help all citizens. Police, Fire, and EMS services benefit from having casino partners in the community.

Examples of distributions in other communities have included: funds for new ambulances and EMS equipment, extrication equipment and fire truck repairs, police vehicles and personal protective equipment for officers, and even HVAC upgrades for emergency services facilities.

Our discussions with leaders in other casino communities in Indiana have revealed no concerns about increases in calls, and only positive impacts on these departments. Casinos also fund their own security, policing visitors with extensive rules and tight regulations on behavior within the casino property.

Learn more about LDAs, how they work, and more examples under the ‘IN Casino Overview’ tab.

Fact :  Construction of a project of this size would require the expansion of capacity to our area, which utility companies have been hesitant to provide without the demand. A new casino resort could help increase capacity and create more reliable service to neighboring businesses, manufacturing facilities, and the homes of our residents. Despite their lack of authority over the companies that are granted territories in our area, local officials have been consistently relaying service issues to utility providers. They are ultimately governed by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and state laws.

Local Distribution Agreement dollars by casinos in other communities have directly paid for utility improvements including things like electrical upgrades, new transformers, and sewer pump replacements.  They also have made large contributions to fund county comprehensive plans. 

Myth: We don’t have enough workers here to staff a facility of this size

Fact : A JobsEQ analysis was processed by the Steuben County Economic Development CEO in early 2026 that evaluated the employment needs for a Casino Resort operation that would bring 800-1200 new jobs to the area.

It looked at around 120 job categories and the potential applicants within a 45-minute driving distance, a standard labor shed pool. Categories included various hotel, entertainment, and casino workers like dealers, maintenance, food service, housekeeping, and security. A generally “ample supply” of candidates was recognized across most all of the job types required.

Fact :  Local authorities must offer a letter/resolution of support for each proposal that they want to move forward in the IGC bidding process, according to House Enrolled Act 1038. Elected officials can deny this support if they disagree with a location or any other part of an applicant’s bid. The County Plan Commission helps by establishing fitting locations through zoning that limits the distance from schools, churches, neighborhoods, and environmentally protected areas. It would also prioritize property that already has specific business zoning and good accessibility to interstates with established infrastructure, and an ordinance would require things like minimum property sizes and set-backs for construction.

The Casino operator with the winning bid on the license would submit proposed projects and locations based on their ability to purchase the land required. While real estate agents may advertise and discuss available properties with casino resort concepts, there have been no proposals with an exact site disclosed to local officials by any specific developers to-date.

Fact :  Local government officials cannot reasonably use tax payer dollars and bear the burden of proof to refute or confirm every claim made by citizens regarding broad construction and casino impacts. We are utilizing industry professionals, independent academic and peer-reviewed studies, empirical evidence from other communities, and economic development programs dedicated to giving insight on various types of businesses. This real research is being used for the projections shared on our website and social media.

Financial feasibility for a Steuben County location is a top requirement, and studies specific to our location have been performed under the county’s Economic Development Corporation, as are typical for any new industry wanting to locate here. 

Just like any other large development, environmental and infrastructure impacts of a casino resort will require a team approach once a proposal specifies the details of facility and an exact property for development. This will not only include local departments, but agencies like IDEM, INDOT, the DNR, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA, and any other state or federal entities deemed necessary. They would ensure that a developer meets the standards required of any major construction project for things like traffic flow and nature protections.

See additional topics on our Community Impacts page.

Fact :  Casino Resorts regularly include other non-gaming amenities including restaurants, meeting and convention spaces, spas, entertainment venues, and family-friendly recreation spaces like indoor pools/waterparks, bowling alleys, and golf courses.

Capitalism requires enough consumer demand to be profitable, and more stable year-round tourism and visitor traffic increases the likelihood that other for-profit businesses would see this as an ideal place to locate. Local officials cannot force companies to create new establishments here, however, visitors to a Casino Resort could help increase the demand for other amenities, making these community ‘wants’ materialize.

See “drawing power” and “spill-over effect” below.

Fact :  The non-gaming amenities included in a Casino Resort project attract visitors for business meetings and events outside of the casino itself. Studies have shown: “Casinos are found to have a significantly positive influence on retail property values.

The effect is stronger within a 5-mile radius of the casinos, suggesting that casinos have a complementary, rather than substitution, effect on other businesses.

This provides some of the first micro-level empirical evidence to support the “drawing power” of casinos and the impact of consumer spending on surrounding businesses.” (Wiley and Walker, The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics)

Increased Foot Traffic: Casinos are massive regional attractions. Nearby restaurants, bars, and retail shops often see an influx of customers, especially during major events, concerts, or weekends.

Hospitality and Tourism Boost: Local hotels often absorb the overflow of guests when casino hotels are fully booked. Similarly, local transportation services experience a surge in demand.

Property Value Appreciation: Commercial real estate values near a successful casino increase, and the area becomes more attractive for new business developments and investments.

The “Cluster” Phenomenon: Just as multiple restaurants thrive when grouped together, a casino can anchor an entertainment district, turning the entire zone into a destination.