FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — A legislative conference committee on Thursday morning approved key changes to House Bill 1038, restoring a mandatory public referendum requirement for any proposed casino in northeast Indiana.
The amended measure now requires voter approval before a casino license can be issued in Allen County, DeKalb County or Steuben County.
Under the revised bill, county election boards must place the following question on the November 2026 general election ballot: “Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in [insert county name]?” If voters reject the referendum, a second public vote on the matter cannot be held in that county. The Indiana Gaming Commission would be prohibited from issuing a license in any of the counties unless voters approve the measure…