Ballot question
Public Question #3 (Local Public Question)
- On the ballot in
- DeKalb County
- Vote
- Yes or no
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
The question, as printed on the ballot
Shall inland casino gambling be permitted in DeKalb County?
A “Yes” vote means
A yes vote permits inland casino gambling in DeKalb County, so the Indiana Gaming Commission may consider DeKalb County sites for the one new northeast Indiana casino license.
A “No” vote means
A no vote bars the Indiana Gaming Commission from licensing an inland casino in DeKalb County, and state law does not allow the question to be put to county voters again.
Official plain English statement
A 2026 state law (House Enrolled Act 1038) lets the Indiana Gaming Commission award one new casino license in Allen, DeKalb or Steuben County, but only in a county whose voters approve this question. An applicant must commit to invest at least $500 million, have the county commissioners' support and pay a $150 million license fee, and the commission may deny every application.
On the ballot as "PUBLIC QUESTION #3" (Local Public Question). Required by IC 4-33-6-19.5 (HEA 1038-2026); Allen and Steuben county ballots carry the same question. If voters approve, applications are due to the Gaming Commission by Dec. 1, 2026, and it must decide by April 15, 2027.
Sources
- House Enrolled Act 1038 (2026), gaming matters: IC 4-33-6-19.5 (casino public question in Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties) and IC 4-33-6.8 (Northeast Indiana casino license) · Indiana General Assembly
- Fiscal Impact Statement: HB 1038 (enrolled), Gaming Matters · Indiana Legislative Services Agency, Office of Fiscal and Management Analysis
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal)
The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.