Gamblers in Indiana may soon have an additional casino if one state lawmaker’s plan wins approval. Sen. Aaron Freeman filed a bill that would put a casino in downtown Indianapolis.
The Indiana Gaming Commission estimates that a casino could produce $170 million in tax revenue annually for the state. That is twice what could be generated by adding a casino in the northwest area of the state.
According to the American Gaming Association, Indiana casinos won $2.94 billion in 2024. As a result, the state collected about $660 million in tax revenue.
“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 told WRTV. “I just want Indianapolis to have its opportunity to be in the mix.”
The Indianapolis casino would be the 12th casino in the Hoosier State. It is already home to 11 casinos and two racinos.
The closest property to the downtown area is the Caesars-owned Horseshoe Indianapolis, located in Shelbyville, about 35 minutes southeast from the city center.
Bipartisan Support
So far, Senate Bill 43 has received bipartisan support. Sen. Greg Taylor represents District 33, which covers sections of the city. He backs the effort.
“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.”
Indiana’s casino industry dates back to 1995, with several riverboat casinos located near the state’s southern border. Other properties are also located in the north, which target gamblers in Chicago and the surrounding metro areas.
Businesses In City Back Plan But Opposition Exists
Plans for a casino in Indianapolis have received support from many of the city’s business leaders. They view it as an additional attraction that would boost visitation to the area. The official Visit Indy tourism group has also backed the proposal.
“Visit Indy supports the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis working together to bring a casino to downtown Indianapolis, the group noted. “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.”
However, some residents have expressed opposition.
Indiana Council of Problem Gambling Executive Director Christina Gray said her group is not favor of adding another casino in the Hoosier State. She said the state needs to do more to help those battling issues related to gambling.
“Problem gambling is considered a disease, and so we need to address it that way,” she told WRTV. “We need to view it that way as a disease, and these people are going to be struggling with this disease the rest of their life, and they need to learn how to resist the urge to continue to gamble.”
While the state decides whether to add another brick-and-mortar casino, it lacks an online casino industry. There has been discussion about adding the vertical in previous legislative sessions, but the only iGaming bill filed for 2026 would ban sweepstakes casinos.
