(ANGOLA) - A casino feasibility study paid for by the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation has not yet been released to the public--but details were provided in advance to a single media outlet.
That outlet, the Herald Republican, published key findings from the study ahead of its scheduled public release Friday.
The study itself has not been made broadly available to other media or the public.
The situation is drawing scrutiny--not for what the study says, but for how the information has been handled.
The study was commissioned by the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation and conducted by AM Steinberg Advisors, a casino and hospitality consulting firm.
According to the details published by the Herald Republican, the study projects a casino in Steuben County could generate between roughly $14 million and $16 million annually in local gaming tax revenue, with long-term state tax revenue potentially reaching $56 million to $60 million per year.
The report also outlines a required $500 million investment for a casino development, along with an estimated 800 to 1,200 jobs paying between $45,000 and $60,000 annually.
The proposed location centers on the Interstate 69 and Indiana Toll Road corridor, which consultants describe as a highly strategic crossroads for regional and interstate travel.
The study further estimates that approximately 62 percent of casino revenue could come from out-of-state visitors.
While the findings largely reinforce points that have already been discussed publicly--economic impact, location advantages, and job creation--the method of releasing the information is raising concerns.
County Republican leaders and Economic Development Corporation officials met publicly earlier this week, where the casino proposal was among the topics discussed. The study was not distributed or broadly referenced in that setting.
Despite that, details were made available in advance to a single outlet.
Separately, the Herald Republican has also published a favorable editorial on county leadership's handling of the casino effort, including praise for what it described as openness and clarity.
That editorial was published by the same outlet that was granted early access to the study.
The study itself has not yet been released publicly.
The casino proposal stems from House Enrolled Act 1038, signed by Governor Mike Braun, which allows for a new casino license in northeast Indiana.
Any county seeking the project must first receive voter approval through a referendum. The final decision on awarding a casino license would be made by the Indiana Gaming Commission.