Downtown casino pushed as CIB solution

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Union Station would be a potential site for a downtown casino. Representative Bill Crawford's casino plan, which could reappear in a special session, could raise $20 million to help bail out the Capital Improvement Board.

One thousand electronic gaming machines would be shifted downtown from the new horse track racinos. Those facilities would split the profits. But the new casino could be just blocks away from an off-track betting parlor already run by one track: Hoosier Park.

“I see the pros and cons of a casino in downtown Indianapolis. Personally, I say, ‘What the heck? You're gonna drive 20-30 miles to go to Anderson or Shelbyville, why not drive four or five to come here?’” said casino patron Tony Pedigo.

Casinos along Indiana's borders have long battled expansion, like the racinos, and would likely fight another casino.

Mike Smith of the Casino Association of Indiana said, “They haven't been real happy with the injection of more competition. Based on the rules in the beginning, there were a limited number of licenses and pretty much isolated locations.”

Gambling opponents will keep watch too.

“Reminding the governor of his promise that there would be no expansion of gambling, and then he came around and expanded it with the two racinos,” Rev. Dan Gangler pointed out.

It's an argument likely to pit morality versus solvency.