Downtown Indianapolis and northeast Indiana are highlighted as prime candidates for the relocation of current casinos, as outlined in a recent report from the Indiana Gaming Commission.
To assess potential locations for increased gaming revenue, the Indiana Gaming Commission has engaged Spectrum Gaming Group, according to a WANE article. The Spectrum analysis identified four ZIP code regions across Indiana with the greatest potential for “unmet gaming-revenue.” Their evaluation focused primarily on projected Annual Gaming Revenue (AGR) as a key success metric.
The two regions with the most significant AGR potential include downtown Indianapolis and an area north of Fort Wayne near State Road 8 and Interstate 69 in DeKalb County. These “proxy points,” as noted by Spectrum, indicate general areas of opportunity rather than specific proposed venues.
The downtown Indianapolis proxy point — located near the Indiana Statehouse — was selected for its close proximity to major attractions like the Indiana Convention Center and professional sports facilities. The northeast Indiana site, situated near Auburn, was chosen for its accessibility from Fort Wayne, its nearness to the Indiana Toll Road, and the ability to attract visitors from Michigan, even with tribal casinos present nearby.
At present, Indiana residents can access 32 casinos, which comprise 14 within the state and 18 located near the borders of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Nevertheless, limitations on expansion within Indiana are imposed by Tribal Gaming Exclusivity, covering 16 counties where new casino development is not permitted.
Spectrum’s findings indicated that relocating a casino to either Indianapolis or northeast Indiana could yield significantly increased adjusted gaming revenue along with higher state tax revenues compared to Indiana’s existing 13 casino licenses.
The report also investigated the wider implications of relocation, including potential effects on out-of-state tourism, regional competition, and Indiana’s horse racing sector.
Another aspect discussed in the report is a 45-acre tract in DeKalb County owned by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, which could theoretically accommodate a casino. However, the tribe has publicly declared that the property will not be utilized for gambling.
Founded in 1993, Spectrum Gaming Group is a non-partisan consultancy that specializes in the economics, regulation, and policies surrounding legalized gambling on a global scale.
State legislators are expected to assess the study outcomes and decide whether the proposed casino relocation should proceed—and if so, to which location.