Rep. Todd Huston, member of the Indiana House of Representatives, filed a bill that would remove restrictions on where gambling venues should be located and how many licenses should be issued. Mr. Huston’s proposal would make it possible for a casino in Indianapolis or in any other city within the state to be built.
The politician shared with the media that he was not informed as to whether there are operators that are interested in building a gambling venue in the capital of Indiana but he pointed out that his legislation would definitely clear the way for this.
If the bill gets the nod from local regulators, it will be much easier for operators to be awarded the necessary licenses and for casinos to be built anywhere communities find fit.
However, Mr. Huston’s proposal is not likely to pass. Gov. Mike Pence and prominent legislators have announced that they were not keen on any expansion of the gambling industry within the territory of the state.
In addition, owners of the already established casinos in Indiana are also likely to oppose Huston’s proposal, due to the fact that new competition will appear on the market.
John Keeler, the current vice president of Centaur Gaming, which operates the racinos in Shelbyville and Anderson, stated that they have invested more than $1 billion in their properties and would not be fair if the current law is changed and new operators are granted licenses.
Mr. Huston, however, claimed that the constantly increasing competition from the neighboring states requires for certain changes in regulation to take place. The official also pointed out that his legislation would not go into effect before July 1, 2024. Thus, the already established casinos and their owners will have enough time to adjust to the new law.
Mr. Huston’s proposal has been submitted to the Indiana Public Policy Committee and its chairman Rep. Tom Dermody (R-LaPorte).
As previously reported, Mr. Dermody completed his own version of a gaming legislation on January 12. It seems that he, too, is keen on the potential expansion of the local gambling industry. His bill would allow gaming tables with live dealers at the state’s racinos. What is more, operators would be provided with certain tax incentives for making capital investments.
Mr. Huston stated that he is well-aware of the fact that his legislation will not become particularly popular. Yet, his main purpose is for it to stimulate discussions on the expansion of the local casino industry. This is why he might try to push Mr. Dermody’s proposed bill in the direction of his own proposal.
