FREMONT, IN (WTVB) – A proposed casino resort development site near Walters Lake in Steuben County has emerged as a potential location as local officials aggressively vie for northeast Indiana’s newly authorized gaming license.
Local Realtor and developer Mark Hansbarger recently presented the property—located west of Fremont and within the town’s planning jurisdiction, to the Fremont town board.
While county leaders like Steuben County Commissioners prefer a location immediately adjacent to the Interstate 69 and Indiana Toll Road interchange, Hansbarger is actively marketing the Walters Lake acreage to potential casino developers.
However, Fremont town officials say the lakeside location will likely face heavy opposition from local lakefront residents concerned about neighborhood impacts.
The push comes after Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1038, allowing Steuben, Allen, or DeKalb counties to compete for a $500 million inland casino resort.
To advance the bid, the Steuben County Board of Commissioners officially approved a referendum for the November 3, ballot, giving voters the final say on allowing casino gambling.
A feasibility study commissioned by the Steuben County Economic Development Corp. projected that a local resort would generate up to $16.6 million annually in local tax revenue and create 800 to 1,200 jobs.
If voters pass the referendum, a developer would have until December 1, 2026, to formally submit a site plan to the state.
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