(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Senate narrowly approved legislation that could bring a new casino to northeast Indiana, passing the measure by a single vote on Tuesday.
House Bill 1038 cleared the chamber 26-22 after extensive debate over its economic impact and lack of a required public referendum.
Supporters say a casino in Steuben, DeKalb, or Allen counties could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue, create thousands of jobs, and keep gambling dollars from flowing to neighboring states such as Michigan and Ohio.
Opponents, including some northeast Indiana lawmakers, raised concerns about the types of jobs created and the absence of a requirement allowing residents to vote on whether a casino should be built in their community.
Under the proposal, local approval would come through county resolutions and support letters from municipal leaders rather than a public referendum.
The Herald Republican reports that State Representative Tony Isa of Angola said he is unhappy with changes made in the Senate, arguing the proposal now favors Fort Wayne and Allen County over other potential sites. Isa also criticized the removal of a referendum requirement, noting that most casino locations in Indiana have required voter approval. He said local officials in his area still support giving residents a direct say.
The bill now returns to the Indiana House, where lawmakers must either approve the Senate's changes or negotiate a compromise in conference committee before the legislative session ends on Friday. If approved, the measure would then head to the governor for consideration.