ANGOLA -- Steuben County officials are testifying before the Indiana House Public Policy Committee as lawmakers consider legislation that could expand or relocate casino gaming in the state. The Herald Republican reports the Steuben County delegation includes three county commissioners -- Wil Howard, Andy Laughlin and Rick Shipe -- along with Steuben County Tourism Bureau Executive Director June Julien and State Rep. Tony Isa, R-Angola.
County leaders say they are not formally seeking a casino license but want Steuben County included in discussions as the General Assembly weighs its options. Commissioner Howard has repeatedly stated publicly that the county is taking a measured approach, neither endorsing nor opposing a casino at this stage.
The renewed attention follows a study commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission that identified potential locations for a new or relocated casino, including Indianapolis and the Interstate 69 corridor near Auburn. Two bills are now moving through the Legislature: one that would relocate the Rising Star Casino to Allen County, and another that would create a new, 14th casino license through a competitive bidding process.
Local officials have emphasized that any casino proposal affecting Steuben County would ultimately go before voters in a referendum, possibly as soon as this November. Every casino approved in Indiana has required voter approval.
Tourism officials have said Steuben County has the infrastructure to support a casino development, though leaders stress that no decision will be made without public input.