Vigo County voters passed a referendum Tuesday that will allow for the construction of western Indiana’s first casino in Terre Haute.
The referendum passed with over 60 percent of voters saying yes.
Two casino companies have expressed interest in the project, with one touting a project of at least $100 million that would have 300 to 400 workers. They have until Dec. 1 to submit proposals to the Indiana Gaming Commission, which would select an operator for the license.
The vote comes amid mixed reception among Vigo County residents.
Sara Smith, Treasurer of the The Advance West Central Indiana Political Action Committee, says the casino would create 150 to 200 new construction jobs and 400 to 600 permanent casino jobs.
“Someone like a valet could anticipate a salary of 25,000 dollars, but a slot supervisor could be making 39,000 dollars a year, an audit manager 87 thousand dollars a year,” she says.
But the group Casino Free Vigo County says on its website a new casino would be a disservice to people gambling addictions.
The new casino could be open for business by winter 2021.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
