FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WLKI)- The debate over a potential resort casino in Northeast Indiana is entering its final weeks, with supporters and opponents increasing their efforts to reach voters ahead of the November referendum.
Voters in Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties will each be asked whether inland casino gambling should be permitted in their county. Approval would not guarantee that a casino is built there. Only one casino license is available, and any project would still have to go through additional local and state approvals, including action by the Indiana Gaming Commission.
In Allen County, the political action committee Advance Fort Wayne Allen County has launched a television advertising campaign supporting the referendum. The group describes its purpose as educating voters and advocating for approval of casino gambling in Allen County.
Supporters include figures from the local business, labor and community sectors.
Among those backing the effort are attorney Tim Haffner, retired Asher Agency owner Tom Borne and Fort Wayne Community Schools board member Steve Corona.
Corona said he does not consider himself a gambler but supports the proposal because of what he believes could be the financial benefits for the community.
"When I was asked to get involved in supporting a casino, I told them I'm not a gambler. I'm the wrong guy," Corona said. "The bet I will make with residents is: this will generate new revenue. This has to be more than your personal feelings. You have to think of the greater good, and that's why I'm behind this."
Supporters have argued that a casino could generate new jobs, tax revenue and funding that could be directed toward schools, infrastructure and other local needs. Advance Fort Wayne representatives have also said casino spending represents a consumer choice rather than a new tax.
Haffner said supporters want more of the money currently spent on gambling to remain in Northeast Indiana.
"It's not a tax; it's a choice people make on how they want to choose their entertainment," Haffner said. "And we'd like to capitalize on that and keep the money here."
Supporters have cited Terre Haute as an example of the type of local revenue they believe a casino could generate, including money directed to local schools.
Opponents, however, argue that a casino could create economic and social costs that would offset some of those benefits.
Kristen Bissontz, vice president of the Coalition for a Better Indiana, has been among the most prominent voices opposing casino expansion in the region.
Bissontz said one of her concerns is that casino spending could come at the expense of existing restaurants, stores and other locally owned businesses.
"When somebody comes to a resort casino, they're going to stay there," Bissontz said. "They're not going to be like, 'Oh, hold on just a second ... I'm going to go to the pizza place five miles away.'"
The coalition has expanded its campaign beyond Allen County to include DeKalb and Steuben counties as voters across the three communities prepare to decide the issue.
Opponents have also raised concerns about gambling addiction, household financial problems and other social costs they say could accompany expanded gambling. Similar concerns were raised during legislative debate over the casino proposal earlier this year.
Bissontz said reaching voters who have not yet formed an opinion will be central to the opposition campaign.
"It's those individuals that are kind of like, 'I'm not sure,'" Bissontz said. "Getting the information to those voters is going to be what sways the opinion to the majority."
The Coalition for a Better Indiana plans to distribute yard signs and continue holding public discussions and other outreach events rather than relying primarily on television advertising. The group has also organized county-specific efforts in the communities involved in the referendum.
The November vote follows action by the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year opening a path for a casino in Northeast Indiana. Under the legislation, voters must first approve casino gambling locally before a county can move forward in the licensing process. The eventual casino project would also be subject to investment and licensing requirements established by the state.
Even if more than one county approves its referendum, only one Northeast Indiana location could ultimately receive the available license.
Early voting is scheduled to begin Oct. 6, with Election Day set for Nov. 3.