Indiana Congressman Warns of Casinos Ahead of Ballot

A federal congressman from Indiana is taking a firm stance against a proposition to get casinos into three northeast counties.

U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) said that expanding the state’s commercial casino industry will “hurt people.” That sentiment was expressed ahead of upcoming Nov. 3 ballot referendums that will determine the futures of casino licenses in Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties, all of which are part of his 3rd District.

Stutzman is up for reelection, although he is easily expected to defeat his Democratic opponent, Kelly Thompson.

Indiana casino vote upcoming

Casinos have been touted as a dependable source of economic stimulus in states across the country.

There are 13 retail casinos in Indiana at the time of writing. But the 3rd District, which represents about 9% of the state’s total land, could increase that to 16 in just over a month.

“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 three referendums will take place individually, meaning that each vote will apply to a possible casino license in each county. If any of the counties approve construction of a new casino location by a simple majority (over 50 percent of votes), developers would be allowed to submit competitive bids to the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC).

Stutzman is hoping that locals will vote “No” on their ballots.

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

Only one casino in play

While three counties are set to vote on potentially hosting a casino, only one will land the facility — assuming any of them achieve the simple majority.

House Bill 1038, signed by Gov. Mike Braun (R) in March, enabled the IGC to create one new casino operator’s license through a competitive bidding process. The recipient would be required to provide a $150 million one-time payment and a minimum of $500 in public investment. 

Estimates from casino supporters suggest that a new facility would create thousands of jobs and at least $100 million in new annual tax revenue through their slot machines, live-dealer table games, bars, restaurants, hotel rooms, and other amenities.

Indiana casino gaming dropped during the most recent fiscal year, which ended on June 30. The $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue was down 0.9 percent from the prior year’s period.

The effects of those losses were felt especially in the state’s northern region, where revenue was down 4.2 percent to $942 million. A facility in any of the three counties that will consider the ballot initiative would help replenish the dwindling amount.