Yesterday, Indiana lawmakers rejected provisions of a bill under which the amount of $200 million would have been taken from communities that operate casinos. Yet, a provision that would permit live dealers within the premises of Indiana’s two racinos is to be further discussed and voted later today.
In addition to this, House Bill 1540 would allow for the state’s ten riverboat casinos to locate their operations on a nearby land. It also includes certain tax breaks for casino promotions as well as for awarding licenses for the construction of gambling venues.
Currently, there are two operating horse track casinos on the territory of Indiana – Shelbyville’s Indiana Grand and Anderson’s Hoosier Park. Table games, such as poker and blackjack, are now run by computers there. As mentioned above, if House Bill 1540 gets the nod, human dealers will be allowed for these games.
Supporters of this particular provision in the Bill consider that its approval will definitely help Indiana’s suffering casino industry, which is currently trying to cope with the constantly growing competition from adjacent states.
Gov. Mike Pence has repeatedly pointed out that he is against any expansion of the state’s gambling industry, although he has not commented on what his notions of expansion are. Yet, according to Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma, the governor does not approve of permitting live dealers into the two above-mentioned racinos.
Kara Brooks, a spokeswoman for Gov. Pence, shared that the governor will announce his decision as to whether he will sign any casino legislation only after the final version of the bill is ready. She pointed out that he will by no means put in a favorable position one gambling sector over the others.
Ms Brooks stated that Gov. Pence is open to discussions and suggestions that would help the state’s gambling industry remain competitive. Yet, he will not favor any attempts for it to be further expanded.
The Bill that is to be voted later today contains provisions offered by Rep. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville) and Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville). The first was apparently against human dealers in the state’s racinos. Yet, Rep. Brown’s proposal discarded significant changes in the taxation of casinos. It passed 96-1.
Rep. Eberhart’s offered an amendment that would allow live table dealers in the venues in Shelbyville and Anderson. His proposal passed 76-22.
Officials pointed out that the final Bill’s primary goal will be to help the state’s gambling industry. This is why they hope it will be backed by Gov. Pence.
