INDIANAPOLIS (WPTA) – A state-commissioned report identifies Auburn as one of two optimal locations for a relocated casino, but a local lawmaker is already voicing his opposition to the idea.

The Indiana Gaming Commission selected Spectrum Gaming Group to prepare the report, as mandated by Senate Enrolled Act 43. Governor Mike Braun signed the measure into law during the 2025 regular session of the Indiana General Assembly.

State Senator Andy Zay (R) secured passage of the law after a bill to move the struggling Rising Sun Casino to New Haven failed in committee.

BACKGROUND: New Haven casino relocation blocked by committee chair

Study findings

The report studied four locations across Indiana and found that a site near Interstate 69 and State Road 8 in Auburn would be among the best spots for a relocated casino.

A downtown Indianapolis location ranked as the most profitable option. The study also researched sites in Richmond and Monticello, but determined there was more demand near the other sites.

The report says an Indianapolis casino would generate an estimated $493.3 million in revenue annually and $170.7 million in tax receipts for the state. However, the study raised concerns that an Indianapolis casino would hamper horse racing parks in Shelbyville and Anderson.

An Auburn-area casino would generate $204.3 million in revenue and $61.1 million in tax dollars each year, according to the study. The northeast Indiana location would have minimal impact on existing horse racing operations.

The report found that relocating the Rising Sun Casino would result in a loss of $1.1 million in yearly tax revenue due to players staying home or going out of state to gamble. However, either proposed casino is projected to easily replace that lost tax revenue.

Local opposition

State Senator Tyler Johnson, who represents most of Auburn, rejected the study in a statement Wednesday.

“The recent report released by the Indiana Gaming Commission ignores risks to families, schools and public safety — issues my constituents, colleagues and I demanded be studied.

“We needed an independent, comprehensive review of social, traffic and infrastructure costs before any informed decision could possibly be made. Understanding things the way I do now, I oppose this attempt to relocate a casino to my community.”

Tribal casino impact

The report also examined potential impacts if the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma built a casino on 45 acres it owns on Fritz Road in northeast Allen County.

The report says such a development would significantly reduce revenue projections for any commercial Auburn casino.

If a tribal casino were built, the Auburn casino’s estimated revenue would fall to $43.2 million from $204.3 million annually. State tax revenue would shrink to $6.1 million from $61.1 million.

The Miami Tribe has not announced any plans for a casino.

The study also excluded studying 16 counties in Northern Indiana due to an exclusivity contract between the state and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

The deal with the Potawatomi tribe prohibits any new commercial casinos near the Pokagon Four Winds South Bend Casino, including in Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Wabash, and Whitley counties.

The full report is available now on the Indiana Gaming Commission website.