State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) says folks in northeast Indiana shouldn’t be cashing out their chips just yet.
After a new report from the Indiana Gaming Commission floated Auburn as one of two potential sites for a casino relocation—ranking just behind a possible downtown Indianapolis location—Smaltz made clear he’s not sold on the idea.
The report looked at four possible sites across the state and found that a location near I-69 and State Road 8 in Auburn could be financially viable. But Smaltz, a longtime conservative voice on gaming and vice issues, isn’t exactly dealing himself in.
“While this report has generated discussion across the community, I want to be clear – I am not aware of any formal proposal or organized effort to locate a casino in Auburn,” Smaltz said in a statement. “If this were something the community wanted to pursue, an independent review should be conducted to assess potential social, traffic, and infrastructure impacts to the community.”
Smaltz also warned that any casino expansion comes with baggage.
“Research has shown that expanded gambling access can lead to higher rates of addiction, financial hardship, family strain and, in some cases, public safety concerns,” he added.
Indiana already ranks as the seventh-largest gaming state in the country, generating hundreds of millions in annual state and local taxes. Casinos are also required to contribute to their host communities for things like public safety and infrastructure.
Still, Smaltz says caution—not cash—should guide the conversation.
“We must be cautious and thoughtful of our constituents before moving forward,” he said.
For now, Auburn’s odds of becoming the state’s newest casino town look about as good as hitting a royal flush—possible, but not something you should bet the house on.
