Fort Wayne Casino Would Bring Region ‘Long-Term Value,’ Says Economic Study
Posted on: January 21, 2026, 08:54h.
Last updated on: January 21, 2026, 09:57h.
- A study suggests a casino in Fort Wayne would be a net positive for the regional economy
- Indiana lawmakers continue to mull casino legislation to permit a gaming resort in Allen County or elsewhere
An economic impact study suggests Fort Wayne betting on a casino resort would be a winning hand for the region and Indiana as a whole.
Last year, a study commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) pinpointed Indianapolis and Fort Wayne in Allen County as two untapped gaming markets where new casinos would prosper. In response, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., an economic development and business services organization dedicated to creating jobs, growing wages, and bettering the economy, commissioned a study to determine if a casino would satisfy those goals.
Commercial real estate services giant CBRE was contracted to conduct the review. On Tuesday, CBRE’s advisory services concluded that a casino in Fort Wayne would be a net win for Indiana’s second-largest city.
Fort Wayne Casino Benefits
CBRE researchers project that a casino in Fort Wayne would generate local tax revenue of $28.1 million a year upon stabilization, which is forecasted in year three of operations. The $28.1 million tax benefit is exclusive of $13.1 million in supplemental tax streams the casino would field from food and beverage, hotel occupancy, and property taxes.
CBRE believes a Fort Wayne casino would create nearly 1,000 direct jobs and more than 700 indirect jobs from supplier activity and increased household spending. During construction, CBRE estimates that about 2,500 direct and indirect jobs would come to Allen County.
The findings demonstrate strong long-term value for the local community, with positive revenue generation and job creation,” a release from Greater Fort Wayne Inc. declared. “CBRE’s analysis concludes that a casino development in Allen County would generate economic benefits that are largely incremental, meaning the project would attract new spending to the county while recapturing gaming dollars currently flowing to other communities with gaming facilities.”
CBRE also claimed that impacts to existing casinos in Indiana “would be minimal.” Greater Fort Wayne Inc. plans to soon run television and radio commercials promoting the economic benefits of a casino.
Indiana Casino Legislation
State lawmakers are reviewing legislation to allow Full House Resorts to relocate its Rising Sun gaming license to a more attractive area, such as Fort Wayne. Other bills would authorize an additional casino license and initiate a competitive bid for the development opportunity.
Local leaders in Wayne County have expressed interest in becoming a casino host. The 2025 IGC study found that Richmond is also currently underserved by gaming.
In Fort Wayne, there is plenty of opposition to a casino. An anonymous group of city business leaders has united to form “Save Fort Wayne, a campaign against gaming.
On Tuesday evening, the Allen County City Council heard from residents on both sides of the casino issue, but most expressed hostility. Councilors told the community that the matter is ultimately up to state lawmakers, who must pass legislation to allow a casino in Allen County.
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