Midwest

‘You’re Going to Hurt People,’ Congressman Tells Northeast Indiana Casino Supporters

Posted on: October 9, 2026, 04:54h.

Last updated on: October 9, 2026, 05:18h.

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Devin O'Connor Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, and gaming news. Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014...
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Key Points

Rep. Marlin Stutzman is urging voters to reject casino referendums in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties on Nov. 3
If approved, the referendums would allow casino applications, with a $150 million state payment and $500 million minimum investment required
The Indiana Gaming Commission says applications could be submitted after the election, with a final licensing decision due by April 15, 2027

Warning supporters that commercial gambling expansion will “hurt people,” U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) is calling on voters to reject casino ballot referendums across three Northeast Indiana counties on Nov. 3.

Northeast Indiana casinos Marlin Stutzman — US Rep. Marlin Stutzman delivers remarks at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago on Jan. 13, 2026. Stutzman is encouraging voters in Northeast Indiana to reject local county referendums seeking to approve casino gambling. (Image: Marlin Stutzman for Congress/X)

Stutzman, who is seeking his fourth term in Congress, is up for reelection. While he is expected to easily defeat his Democratic challenger, nonprofit founder Kelly Thompson, Stutzman remains on the campaign trail.

With casinos a major topic across the more than 3,200-square-mile 3rd District, Stutzman has made his opposition to gambling clear.

While many enjoy gambling as entertainment, several of our neighbors will eventually fall victim to the proposed casino as it seeks to generate profit off the backs of hard-working Hoosiers. Business development is a top priority of mine, but gambling is the opposite,” Stutzman said.

“Casinos win when our neighbors lose,” the congressman said.

County Referendums

On Nov. 3, voters in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties will face three separate referendums asking whether a casino can operate in their county. If a county approves the measure by a simple majority, casino developers would be permitted to submit competitive bids to the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) for that location.

House Bill 1038, signed by Gov. Mike Braun (R) in March, authorized the IGC to issue only one casino license through a competitive bid. The winning applicant would need to make a one-time $150 million payment to the state and commit to a minimum investment of $500 million.

Despite big promises from pro-casino groups like “Vote Yes for Allen County Casino” claiming a casino would create thousands of jobs and more than $100 million in new annual tax revenue, Stutzman says gambling is a bad bet.

“[Casinos] create a new burden for low-income households, the elderly on fixed incomes, and local government services. On top of that, many fail to realize that research has shown rapid-play gambling can be as addictive as cocaine or heroin,” Stutzman said.

Stutzman’s 3rd District encompasses all three counties facing referendums: Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben.

Gauging Developer Interest

With a minimum entry threshold of $650 million between the license fee and required investment, it remains uncertain whether commercial gaming operators will actively pursue a development in Northeast Indiana.

Full House Resorts initially lobbied Indiana lawmakers to relocate its Rising Star Casino license from Rising Sun to the more lucrative Northeast Indiana market.

However, after HB 1038 was amended during legislative debates—stripping Full House of its exclusive relocation rights and imposing the $150 million license fee—the company indicated it plans to maintain its existing operations in Rising Sun.