Casino Creates Economic Jackpot For Shelby County

Indiana Live! Casino celebrated its one-year anniversary this weekend. Since opening the permanent facility, the casino has paid out approximately $104 million in taxes and fees to Shelby County and the state.

"The economic impact of Indiana Live! Casino is far reaching," said Indiana Live! Casino Chief Financial Officer Fred Burford. "Not only does the casino pay millions in taxes each year, we also employ more than 800 people and purchase products and services from many businesses, a large number of which are local."

Approximately 850 employees and an extensive list of vendors including family-owned businesses and car dealers are among those that benefit financially from the casino.

The casino opened its 233,000-square-foot gaming facility March 13, 2009. It was previously housed in a 70,000-square-foot temporary facility that opened in June 2008.

Owned by Indiana Downs LLC and developed/managed by Baltimore-based developer The Cordish Co., Indiana Live! is located on Interstate 74E, Exit 109. The casino has an annual payroll of more than $24 million, which includes wages and a wide range of benefits offered to all eligible employees. The list of vendors includes more than 1,800 names.

"Numerous individuals, organizations and communities have directly benefited from their association with Indiana Live! Casino," Burford said. "It's a win-win proposition that benefits everyone involved." The casino paid out more than $6.5 million to Shelby County. More than $32.8 million has been dedicated to the Indiana horse racing industry to supplement live racing purses and to fund various horsemen's associations. Money from the casino is also used by the Division of Mental Health to fight problem gambling.

$6.5 million Amount casino has paid out to Shelby County $32.8 million Amount dedicated to the Indiana horse racing industry to supplement live racing purses and to fund various horseman's organizations.