Casino in Fort Wayne? Rumors Seem Unfounded

“Pssstt. Have you heard Fort Wayne is going to become a casino town?”

Or so go the persistent rumors and gossip for the past year.

The subject comes up at cocktail parties and City Council meetings. Local blogs and newspapers have polled on the possibility, with slight majorities against the idea.

Some people have even picked a spot for the fictitious casino – the north river development site along the St. Marys River.

But legislatively, the likelihood is slim, especially with no coalition of local officials, businesses and citizens actively or publicly pushing the idea.

The last casino approved by the General Assembly was in French Lick, and legislators did so through an existing but unused license rather than creating a new one. And dozens of supporters in orange shirts came to the legislature every day for a decade before they succeeded.

Then there are the competitive factors as casinos around the state are making less money. Any shuffling of the 11 licenses could negatively affect the entire landscape.

“I would be utterly amazed if (a Fort Wayne casino) ever happened,” said Rep. Trent Van Haaften, D-Mount Vernon, chairman of the House Public Policy Committee where all gambling legislation is heard.

For the complete story, please see Niki Kelly, A casino in Fort Wayne?There's talk but little action from leaders and lobbyists, The Journal Gazette, November 17, 2008.