Statement from the Allen County Board of Commissioners regarding a casino license for Allen County, Indiana.
The Indiana General Assembly has made it clear: state lawmakers are interested in relocating an existing casino license or adding an additional license somewhere in the State of Indiana. For the last year, Allen County has been identified as a likely location. Recently filed bills in both chambers demonstrate that this isn’t just talk.
If the State of Indiana and the private sector think that Allen County is a good location for a casino, the Allen County Board of Commissioners will not stand in the way. The Board of Commissioners has submitted a joint letter with Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker to the Indiana General Assembly requesting that state legislators consider not only how state and local government might benefit from increased tax revenue, but how the greater community could benefit.
Whether or not a casino license can move to Allen County will be the state’s decision. But the commissioners want a responsible action plan that optimizes the decision so that tax revenue generated can be used to address social determinants of health and future economic growth. It is the shared desire of the Commissioners and the Mayor of Fort Wayne that a minimum of 40% of the revenue be designated for organizations and programs that tackle issues such as homelessness, substance abuse, addiction, domestic violence, and mental health. Tackling these issues should lower the cost of local government over the long run.
Historically, Allen County Commissioners have defended property rights and allowed the free market to drive private sector development. Their role has been to place reasonable conditions and guardrails through zoning laws, but not to decide what types of businesses can locate in our community. Though the Commissioners acknowledge there are members of our community who object to this type of business, this historic stance will be the case should the Indiana General Assembly and a privately run casino choose Allen County.
Text of the joint letter:
December 1, 2025
The Honorable Todd Huston
Speaker
Indiana State House of Representatives
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204The Honorable Rodric Bray
President Pro Tempore
Indiana State Senate
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204Dear Speaker Huston and President Pro Tempore Bray:
The Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners support the location of a casino in Fort Wayne/Allen County. Fort Wayne and Allen County have a reputation for being able to work together and the location of a casino is another example of that.
The tax revenue from a casino will benefit all of Allen County in two primary ways. First, 60% of the revenue will be distributed to communities in Allen County based on population. This will be a new stream of revenue to help meet the needs of our communities and remain one of the fastest growing areas in the Great Lakes Region. Second, 40% of the revenue will be put into a designated humanitarian fund for non-profits to help improve mental health and combat homelessness, addiction, and other challenges. A board will be appointed by elected officials to oversee the distribution of these funds. We propose this arrangement be in place for five years. At the end of five years, the Mayor and Commissioners will revisit the distribution of the tax revenue.
Once again, we support the location of a casino in Fort Wayne/Allen County. We know we will be able to put the revenue to good use.
Sincerely,
Therese Brown, President
Board of CommissionersRichard E. Beck, Vice President
Board of CommissionersSharon Tucker, Mayor
City of Fort WayneRonald Turpin, Secretary
Board of
Downloads:
Related Images:
