Posted on: January 11, 2026, 06:15h.

Last updated on: January 11, 2026, 06:15h.

• Indiana senator proposes a $750 million casino for downtown Indianapolis.
• Full House may shift Rising Star license from Rising Sun.
• Competing Allen County legislation progresses amidst concerns for racinos.

A proposed $750 million casino might soon be a reality in downtown Indianapolis, contingent on a bill introduced by State Senator Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis), as initially reported by The Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ).

Senate Bill 244 would enable Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts to transfer its Rising Star Casino Resort license from Rising Sun, a rural area in southeast Indiana, to the state capital, provided they commit to a lofty $750 million investment and pay a $25 million licensing fee, along with compensating Rising Sun and the surrounding Ohio County with one year’s worth of tax revenue from the casino.

Potential for Maximum Revenue

A study commissioned by the state estimates that a casino in downtown Indianapolis could yield approximately $170 million yearly in gambling taxes and nearly $500 million in annual revenue, positioning it as the most profitable option for the state.

Support for the establishment of a casino in Indianapolis is increasing among local legislators, business leaders, and tourism advocates. However, the mayor’s office has not yet taken a definitive stance. Freeman contends that if boosting tax revenue is the top priority, Indianapolis is the clear choice.

“Clearly, if our aim is revenue, placing a casino in downtown Indianapolis is the best decision, and I am confident about that,” Freeman stated to IBJ in December. “If the objectives differ, someone needs to clarify that for me, and then we will adapt our approach accordingly.”

Conversely, some officials are opposed to this initiative. State House Speaker Todd Huston believes that introducing another casino in central Indiana would severely impact nearby sites in Shelbyville and Anderson, including Horseshoe Indianapolis and Harrah’s Hoosier Park & Racing Casino. The analysis suggests these establishments could face revenue losses of around 25% to a downtown casino.

Alternative Legislation

Simultaneously, another competing bill is making its way through the legislature, which would propose relocating Full House’s license to New Haven, located in Allen County.

Though an Allen County casino would yield significantly lower tax revenue—approximately 36% of what could be generated in Indianapolis—it would also greatly limit the negative impact on other existing casinos in the state, making it a more politically viable choice for certain legislators.

Full House has long sought to relocate from southeastern Indiana, as recent expansions of casinos in Kentucky and Ohio have cut into its profits. While the company has shown interest in transferring the license to Allen County, it has not publicly expressed support for a move to Indianapolis.