For those who enjoy an occasional visit to one of the local casinos, ever wonder what we did BEFORE they were local?  I admit, I enjoy an hour or two gambling occasionally, but I work really hard for my money and a few bucks now and again for entertainment purposes is fine for me, I play penny slots and have had some luck, but ever notice the people playing the $1 or $5 machines?  Where do they get their money?  Does central Indiana need another casino?  Would love to hear your thoughts on the case…here are the highlights, for the entire report, click here for the full report from wthr.com reported on August 17…

A Las Vegas company wants to buy up 135 acres of land near the Indianapolis airport to build a casino, “high-end creative retail” and more.  Full House Resorts on Monday announced its proposal to build “American Place” in response to the Indianapolis International Airport’s “Land Use Initiative.” If selected, it would be built on the land along I-465 & High School Road, near where the previous airport terminal was located.

It would include:

• Approximately 700,000 square feet of high-end creative retail space
• 25-villa boutique hotel designed to offer the most luxurious accommodations in the Midwest
• Seasonal plaza
  • ice skating and a European Christmas market in the winter
  • landscaped gardens and forests in the summer
• Central square surrounded by a unique fountain and 3-D imaging experience
• Multi-purpose conference and performance center
• Residential condominiums
• Offices
• Restaurant court
• Multiplex movie theater
• Small, high-end casino
• Large health club offering local memberships

The project would cost $650 million, representing one of the largest privately funded construction projects in Indiana history, according to Full House Resorts. They estimate it would then generate $85 million per year in state and local revenues when complete. Full House claims an independent third-party study found “American Place” would also create 4,000 permanent jobs and attract 10-15 million visitors annually.  American Place would be anchored, both physically and financially, by a small casino comprising less than 5 percent of the project’s total square footage.

What do you think?  Do we need another casino?  Even as part of a “lifestyle” center?  Would love to hear your thoughts!

Vicki Reed