Downtown Indianapolis, Northeast Indiana identified as top casino relocation sites

Downtown Indianapolis and northeast Indiana have been identified as the top potential locations for relocating existing casinos, according to a new study released by the Indiana Gaming Commission.

The Indiana Gaming Commission hired Spectrum Gaming Group to identify locations with the highest potential for gaming revenue, as per a WANE report. Spectrum pinpointed four ZIP code areas across Indiana with the “highest unmet gaming-revenue potential.” The firm’s analysis centered on projected Annual Gaming Revenue (AGR) as the primary indicator of potential success.

The two areas with the highest AGR potential were identified as downtown Indianapolis and a region north of Fort Wayne near State Road 8 and Interstate 69 in DeKalb County. These “proxy points,” Spectrum noted, represent general areas of opportunity rather than specific proposed sites.

The downtown Indianapolis proxy point — centered near the Indiana Statehouse — was chosen for its proximity to major attractions, including the Indiana Convention Center and professional sports venues. The northeast Indiana location, near Auburn, was selected for its accessibility from Fort Wayne, closeness to the Indiana Toll Road, and potential to draw visitors from Michigan, despite the presence of tribal casinos across the border.

Currently, Indiana residents have access to 32 casinos, including 14 within the state and 18 located near the borders of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky.

However, expansion within Indiana is restricted by Tribal Gaming Exclusivity, an agreement covering 16 counties where new casino development is prohibited.

Spectrum’s analysis concluded that relocating a casino to either Indianapolis or northeast Indiana could generate significantly higher adjusted gaming revenue and corresponding state tax receipts compared to the state’s existing 13 casino licenses.

The study also evaluated the broader effects of relocation, including potential impacts on out-of-state tourism, regional competition, and Indiana’s horse racing industry.

One additional factor considered in the report is a 45-acre site in DeKalb County owned by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, which could theoretically host a casino. However, the tribe has publicly stated that the property will not be used for gambling purposes.

Founded in 1993, Spectrum Gaming Group describes itself as a non-partisan consultancy specializing in the economics, regulation, and policy of legalized gambling worldwide.

State lawmakers are expected to review the findings and determine whether a casino relocation should move forward — and if so, where.