Key Moments:
- The Indiana Gaming Commission tasked Spectrum Gaming Group to identify locations with the highest potential for gaming revenue.
- Downtown Indianapolis and a region north of Fort Wayne have been identified as offering the strongest projected Annual Gaming Revenue (AGR).
- A report noted the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma owns property in DeKalb County but stated it will not use the site for gambling.
Locations with Highest Revenue Potential Highlighted
The Indiana Gaming Commission recently commissioned a study that spotlights downtown Indianapolis and northeast Indiana as the best candidates for relocating existing casinos. Spectrum Gaming Group conducted the analysis, focusing on ZIP codes with the “highest unmet gaming-revenue potential.” It relied on projected Annual Gaming Revenue (AGR) to identify where casinos could perform most profitably.
Details Behind the Top Choices
Spectrum highlighted downtown Indianapolis—especially the area near the Indiana Statehouse—for its close proximity to major attractions like the Indiana Convention Center and nearby professional sports venues. Spectrum also selected a region north of Fort Wayne, near State Road 8 and Interstate 69 in DeKalb County. The area offers easy access, attracts Fort Wayne visitors, and sits close to the Indiana Toll Road. It could also draw players from Michigan, where tribal casinos already operate.
Regulatory Limits and Market Overview
Indiana currently hosts 32 casinos—14 within the state and 18 near the borders of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky. However, Tribal Gaming Exclusivity in 16 counties limits new casino development and blocks additional operations in those regions.
Financial and Industry Impacts Reviewed
Spectrum’s findings suggest that relocating an existing casino license to one of these newly identified high-potential locations could result in considerably higher adjusted gaming revenue and increased state tax collections relative to current operations under Indiana’s 13 casino licenses. The analysis also considered secondary effects such as influences on tourism from other states, regional market competition, and the state’s horse racing sector.
Site Ownership and Next Steps
The report additionally referenced a 45-acre parcel in DeKalb County owned by the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Despite its theoretical suitability for casino development, the tribe has stated publicly it will not utilize the property for gaming activities.
Spectrum Gaming Group was established in 1993 and describes itself as a non-partisan consultancy focused on legal gambling economics, regulation, and public policy. State legislators are now expected to review the report’s findings and determine the feasibility and potential site for any casino relocation within Indiana.
| Location | Key Attributes |
|---|---|
| Downtown Indianapolis | Proximity to Indiana Statehouse, major attractions, professional sports venues, and convention facilities |
| North of Fort Wayne (DeKalb County) | Access to Fort Wayne, near State Road 8 and Interstate 69, close to Indiana Toll Road, ability to attract customers from Michigan |
- Author
Daniel Williams
