Indiana lawmakers are advancing legislation that could allow the first casino in downtown Indianapolis, with supporters citing significant revenue potential and bipartisan backing.
Republican state Senator Aaron Freeman said he is filing a bill this week that would bring a casino to the state capital for the first time. Freeman said the proposal is intended to spark discussion and collaboration within the legislature.
“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. “I just want Indianapolis to have its opportunity to be in the mix.”
The proposal has drawn support from both parties, including Democratic state Senator Greg Taylor. “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.”
Supporters point to early studies by the Indiana Gaming Commission, which estimate that a casino in Indianapolis could generate about $170 million a year in gaming tax revenue for the state, more than double what could be raised by placing a casino in northwest Indiana.
Taylor said Indianapolis’ role as a hub for conventions, sports, and entertainment strengthens the economic case. “Not only does Indianapolis have a unique position from a convention standpoint, but we also are the economic engine for the state of Indiana,” he said.
Freeman also framed the proposal as a question of maximizing state revenue. “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,” he said. “If it’s revenue, Indianapolis obviously would generate the most money.”
The proposal has the backing of Visit Indy, which said any downtown casino should align with the needs of major convention and event customers. “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, as reported by WRTV.
Lawmakers supporting the bill have also stressed that other parts of the state should share in the benefits. “We need to make sure that they have a piece of the pie, too,” Taylor said. “This could be a collaborative effort, in my opinion, that benefits the state of Indiana as a whole.”
The city said it has been in discussions about a potential downtown casino since the end of the 2025 legislative session and will continue engaging community stakeholders if the proposal moves forward. Officials said studies show Indianapolis’ sports, events, and entertainment economy is “primed for this type of investment.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/12/23/116943-indiana-lawmakers-push-bill-for-first-downtown-indianapolis-casino
