ANGOLA, IN (WTVB) – Steuben County has officially entered the digital arena of the statewide casino debate, launching a dedicated information portal as Indiana lawmakers consider relocating a major gaming license to the northeast region.
The new website, SteubenFunWins.com, went live this past Sunday.
Produced by the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, the site is designed to provide residents with accurate information on the potential impacts, myths, and facts regarding a casino resort.
The launch coincides with critical movement in the Indiana General Assembly. House Bill 1038, which originally focused on moving a license to Allen County (Fort Wayne), was recently amended to include Steuben, DeKalb and Wayne Counties as eligible sites.
The bill seeks to relocate the underperforming license from southern Indiana to a more lucrative market. A state-commissioned study by the Spectrum Gaming Group previously identified northeast Indiana as an “open market” that could generate over $200 million dollars in annual revenue and create up to 1,000 direct jobs.
County commissioners, including President Wil Howard, have been vocal about ensuring Steuben has a “seat at the table”. Officials argue that the county’s location—at the intersection of I-69 and the Indiana Toll Road, makes it a premier logistical candidate.
The new Steuben Fun Wins website highlights several key arguments for a local site:
- Economic Stabilization: A casino could bolster the tourism economy during “shoulder” seasons when traditional lake-based tourism slows down.
- Job Creation: Estimates suggest 800 to 1,000 jobs with average wages between $40,000 and $45,000.
- Infrastructure Growth: Revenue could fund much-needed utility and road upgrades.
Despite local enthusiasm, the project faces hurdles. Some lawmakers, have expressed opposition to expanding gaming in the region. Additionally, any final proposal would require a formal resolution of support from local elected bodies.
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