The Indiana Gaming Commission has banned Elks Lodge 155 from operating a charity gaming casino for the next 10 years, citing multiple regulatory violations at its now-shuttered FW Casino in Fort Wayne.
The lodge’s gaming license was revoked in December 2024, following an investigation prompted by complaints about its casino, which was located at 3323 Saint Joe Center Road.
Under a settlement with the commission, Elks Lodge 155 must pay $25,000 in damages and maintain a separate gaming bank account for 12 months.
Additionally, the lodge is banned from all charity gaming for three years and will only be eligible for limited gaming licenses, such as bingo, raffles, and festivals, after five years. Furthermore, it is unable to apply for a casino game night license for 10 years.
Fort Wayne City Council Member Russ Jehl criticized the charity casino’s operations, calling it a mistake from the start.
“It is good riddance for the Riviera and Canterbury area; it never should have taken place,” Jehl said. “Any casino, whether for profit, not for profit, or faux charity, needs to be vetted publicly.”
The Indiana Gaming Commission’s investigation uncovered serious compliance issues, including:
• Previously banned individuals entering the casino after hours
• $6,000 in missing chips at a gaming table in a single night
• Lack of staff training and security oversight
• Volunteers receiving improper compensation, including free poker tournament entries, cash bonuses, and weekly cash payments
Regulators also found the lodge failed to allocate gaming proceeds for lawful purposes at least 22 times.
Before the investigation, the lodge reported a maximum nightly revenue of $70,000. However, when state officials monitored the casino, nightly earnings ranged from $95,000 to $122,000, raising concerns about underreported income.
Authorities seized over $100,000 from the casino as part of a civil racketeering lawsuit, though no criminal charges were filed against individuals involved.
As part of the settlement, the Indiana Gaming Commission will not pursue further civil litigation against Elks Lodge 155.
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