- Bipartisan lawmakers back a downtown Indianapolis casino that could generate $170 million yearly in state tax revenue.
- A study identified Indianapolis as the top location for a relocated casino license, projecting nearly $500 million in gambling revenue.
- The proposal faces pushback from existing casinos, horse racing groups, and gambling addiction advocates concerned about revenue losses and accessibility issues.
INDIANAPOLIS - A proposed downtown Indianapolis casino has gained support from lawmakers across party lines who believe it could provide major economic benefits. Republican Senator Aaron Freeman is leading the push with legislation that could bring in about $170 million yearly in tax revenue for the state.
After commissioning a study, the Indiana Gaming Commission concluded that the best course of action would be to move an existing casino license to the state capital. Nearly $500 million in gambling revenue is predicted by the Spectrum Gaming Group research, which is significantly more than what other locations throughout the state may earn.
Indianapolis already boosts Indiana's economy, according to supporters, with its thriving convention scene and sporting complexes drawing tourists all year long. A downtown casino would enhance the general entertainment area and blend in well with neighboring attractions like the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.
Bipartisan Support Builds Momentum
Freeman hasn't held back when explaining why this is important, posing the question of what Indiana's gaming system is actually aiming to achieve if not maximizing profits. This idea is echoed by Democratic Senator Greg Taylor, who thinks that overcoming political differences could have advantages that go well beyond the capital.
Visit Indy has also supported the idea, but they want guarantees that the final product would meet the expectations of their large convention clients. Given that consumers now travel to Anderson or Shelbyville for casino excitement, bringing legal blackjack and table games to the city core would completely change Indianapolis gambling.
Concerns From Multiple Stakeholders
Although the new location will make legal Indiana blackjack accessible to locals, the present casino owners are concerned about the impact on their clientele and profitability. Not everyone in Indianapolis believes that the state needs more gambling establishments, and organizations that support those with gambling issues are concerned that increasing casino accessibility may exacerbate addiction issues.
The racing industry has been the most vocal opponent of the plan, claiming research that indicates downtown casinos might lose between $10 million and $17 million annually if its customers stop coming. Such financial setbacks would seriously harm race purses and possibly drop Indiana from its present 10th place in the nation for thoroughbred prize amounts to 19th place.
Freeman insists that Indianapolis should be given serious consideration as state officials choose the direction for future gaming regulation, even if there is still much to work out.