Bipartisan Push for Downtown Indianapolis Casino Opens Doors to New Gaming Opportunities
In a significant development on Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators from Indianapolis advocated for the establishment of a casino in downtown Indianapolis during a session on the Senate floor. The proposal is encapsulated in Senate Bill 43, which the Senate passed with a 33-16 vote. This bill mandates the Indiana Gaming Commission to study potential locations for new casinos, focusing on identifying the top three regions in the state for possible establishment.
Despite years of opposition to the notion of a downtown casino from prominent industry players, the public endorsement from Senators Aaron Freeman (Republican) and Greg Taylor (Democrat) has sparked conversations that suggest the possibility of a future casino in the city. Lawmakers currently hold the authority to approve the relocation of gaming licenses and the establishment of new casinos, making their support for this bill a pivotal step forward.
Context of the Proposal
The initiative to conduct this study follows earlier discussions regarding the potential relocation of a casino license from Rising Sun, a small community in southern Indiana along the Ohio River. This proposed move aimed to shift the license northward to New Haven, near Fort Wayne. However, Senate Bill 293, which sought to facilitate this relocation, did not advance when it failed to be brought to a vote by the chair of the Senate’s Committee on Public Policy, Sen. Ron Alting.
During the Senate debate on the matter, Freeman and Taylor articulated their enthusiasm for “serious discussions” regarding gaming in Indianapolis. Freeman emphasized the potential benefits that a casino could bring to the local economy. “It’s clear that downtown Indianapolis would be the best location for a casino that would boost the state’s gaming revenue,” he stated. He highlighted that the financial influx from a casino could address budgetary challenges in Marion County and be directed toward enhancing city infrastructure, particularly roads.
Collaborative Approach Advocated
Freeman urged collaboration among stakeholders, including airport officials, the convention center, and local chambers of commerce, to explore this opportunity. “I hope everybody can come together and say, ‘Indianapolis is a world-class city,’” he remarked, underlining the need for the city to support its renowned events and entertainment offerings.
Sen. Andy Zay (Republican) carried both Senate Bill 43 and the failed SB 293. He acknowledged the exciting prospects a casino could bring to downtown Indianapolis, already known for its hotels, restaurants, and convention center. However, Zay also cautioned about the likely resistance from existing casino operators and community members wary of the expansion of gambling. “You’re going to have a lot of resistance with the other casino players and how we can balance all that,” he expressed.
Historical Challenges
Attempts to establish a casino in Indianapolis are not new. Previous proposals have faced significant hurdles. In 2015, Full House Resorts Inc. sought to construct a casino on the site of the former Indianapolis International Airport terminal but had its plans rejected by the Indianapolis Airport Authority. More recently, discussions in 2018 surrounding the relocation of a Gary license were met with strong opposition from members of the Casino Association of Indiana, emphasizing the complications surrounding any central Indiana casino initiatives.
Currently, Indiana is home to 13 casinos, with the nearest located in Anderson and Shelbyville, highlighting a significant gap for gaming venues in the capital city.
Next Steps
Senate Bill 43 is now poised for consideration in the Indiana House. Should the bill pass, the Indiana Gaming Commission will be tasked with reporting the results of its study by October, potentially laying the groundwork for future legislative action regarding a casino in downtown Indianapolis.