Legislation To Bring Casino To Indianapolis About To Be Introduced
Bill has bipartisan support, thumbs-up from the city, just needs to get through lawmaking process
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There are 13 casinos scattered across Indiana, and one state senator is looking to make it 14 by bringing a full-scale casino to the capital city of Indianapolis.
State Sen. Aaron Freeman will file a bill this week to do just that, according to WRTV-ABC.
“I just want it to be a discussion and to be able to work with the House and what they think where this casino should go,” Freeman said, according to the report. “I just want Indianapolis to be to have its opportunity to be in the mix.”
One major boost in Freeman’s favor is the bill’s bipartisan support. Freeman, a Republican, has looped in state Sen. Greg Taylor, a Democrat.
“The bipartisan effort shows that we’re putting politics aside on this issue,” Taylor said. “We’re talking about a benefit to the entire state of Indiana.”
In addition to politicians playing nice with each other, Visit Indy, the city’s official destination marketing association, has given full-throated support to the idea.
“Visit Indy supports the State of Indiana and City of Indianapolis working together to bring a casino to downtown Indianapolis,” the group said in a statement. “Our expectation is that the project’s quality of experience and specific location will align with the best interests of our major convention and event customers and stakeholders.”
Tax revenue a selling point
According to the report, the Indiana Gaming Commission estimates a casino in the capital city would bring in upward of $170 million in gambling tax receipts, or nearly double what a casino outside the metropolis would bring.
“Not only does Indianapolis have a unique position from a convention standpoint, but we also are the economic engine for the state of Indiana,” Taylor said.
Freeman also noted that if not tax revenue, what’s the point of having gambling in the state in the first place?
“If the goal of our gaming system in Indiana is not revenue, then somebody’s going to have to explain to me what gaming is in Indiana,” Freeman said. “If it’s revenue, Indianapolis obviously would generate the most money.”
The city itself is ready to move forward with the idea, should the legislature take it up.
“The City has been in discussions on a potential downtown casino development since the end of the 2025 legislative session,” a spokesperson said, according to the report. “It is no surprise that the study commissioned by the Indiana Gaming Commission showed that Indianapolis’ thriving sports, events, and entertainment economy is primed for this type of investment. The City will continue to engage community stakeholders and assess the viability of this potential development. When the Indiana General Assembly reconvenes next month, the City will remain in conversations with state legislators should they decide to move this proposal forward.”
