Indiana’s Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse associations have voiced strong opposition to the idea of a new casino in Indianapolis, warning that it would "cannibalize" the state’s existing horse racing industry. The associations argue that such a move would undermine the successful racino model currently in place, jeopardizing decades of growth, investment, and jobs.
Key Takeaways
- A new casino in Indianapolis could decimate Indiana’s horse racing industry.
- The current racino model in Anderson and Shelbyville is crucial for funding racing purses and breeding programs.
- The horsemen emphasize the industry’s significant economic and agricultural impact across all 92 counties.
- Any expansion of gaming should be carefully considered to avoid harming the existing racing infrastructure.
Concerns Over Indianapolis Casino Location
The Indiana Horsemen, representing the state’s major horse racing associations, released their position following a statewide gaming study. While acknowledging the study’s recognition of the horse racing industry’s $2 billion annual economic and agricultural impact, they expressed grave concerns about a potential casino in Indianapolis. They believe this would unravel three decades of responsible growth and partnership that has benefited rural economies and agribusiness.
"Indiana’s horse racing industry is the backbone of rural economic development and agribusiness across all 92 counties," stated John DeLong, President of the Indiana Standardbred Association. "The study rightfully recognizes our impact, but placing a casino in Indianapolis would cripple the racetrack casino model that makes this industry possible. It would unravel decades of investment, could eliminate hundreds of jobs, and destroy a proven partnership between the horsemen, the racetracks, and the state."
Impact on Existing Racinos
Brian Elmore, External Relations for the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (INHBPA), elaborated on the potential negative consequences. "A casino in Indianapolis would cannibalize the racetrack markets in Anderson and Shelbyville – the very regions that fund racing purses and breeding programs through shared revenue with the racinos," he explained. "In short, the juice wouldn’t be worth the squeeze. Any increase in gaming revenue could come at the cost of an entire industry that sustains families, farms, and communities across Indiana."
The Horsemen highlighted that the current structure, centered on the racetracks in Anderson and Shelbyville, has been recognized nationally as a successful model for coexistence between gaming and agribusiness. This model has fostered sustained growth in breeding programs, job creation, and agribusiness investment statewide over the past 30 years.
Potential for Expansion and Prudent Policy
While acknowledging that some areas of the state might support new gaming development with less disruption, the Horsemen cautioned that even expansion in the northeastern region could still impact the industry. They stressed that any move closer to existing racino markets risks eroding the foundation of Indiana horse racing.
The Horsemen concluded by reaffirming their commitment to protecting the integrity of the partnership that has made Indiana’s horse racing program a national success. They urged policymakers to continue applying prudence, ensuring that racing and gaming grow together rather than at each other’s expense, for the sake of Indiana’s rural economy and the thousands of jobs tied to the industry.
About the Indiana Horsemen:
The Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA), the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (INHBPA), the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association (ITOBA), and the Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana (QHRAI) collectively represent thousands of horsemen who contribute to Indiana’s agricultural economy and rural workforce. They are united in their mission to protect and ensure the continued success of Indiana’s horse racing industry.
