Voters in three northeastern Indiana counties rejected a potential new casino. The result came in the midterm elections on Nov. 3, 2026, dealing a setback to the state’s gambling expansion plans.
In Allen County, home to Fort Wayne, nearly 60% of voters opposed allowing a casino, according to unofficial election results reported by Ballotpedia.
The vote was 61,310 against and 41,654 in favor, a margin of nearly 20 points.
Voters in neighboring DeKalb and Steuben counties also rejected casino gambling, with nearly 65% of DeKalb County voters opposing the proposal and approximately 58% of Steuben County voters voting “no.”
The Hoosier State result came alongside Nebraska voters fending off an attempt to legalize online sports gambling.
Policy Background
The three counties were potential sites of casino development under Indiana House Bill 1038, which state lawmakers passed earlier this year.
If voters approved casino gambling, the measure could have allowed casino development in one of the three counties.
HB 1038 authorized an additional casino license in Indiana, increasing the state’s cap from 10 to 11.
That new casino would have been located in one of the three counties.
‘Development’ vs. Gambling Harm
Supporters of casino expansion, including some local business groups, promoted the proposal as so-called economic development.
An Indiana Gaming Commission study projected that a casino in Allen County could generate $204 million in annual player losses and $61 million in state taxes.
However, any state taxes come with steep social harm. One gambling addiction typically harms at least five others, according to recent research.
HB 1038 also required a minimum $500 million investment in casino development and non-gambling amenities.
Meanwhile, community members underscored gambling’s business model. In gambling, most of the revenue is generated by people who lose excessive or extreme sums.
With all three counties voting against the proposal, the state’s plan to establish another casino in northeastern Indiana cannot move forward — at least for the foreseeable future.
