Mere hours ago, the Indiana casino-related issue was forwarded to the Governor as state lawmakers settled around the decision of moving the existing riverboat casinos to land. However, the proposal for the availability of live dealers in two Indiana racinos was rejected. Proponents of the idea insisted live dealers to be added no later than next year but during yesterday’s meeting it was announced that they might be available from 2021 onwards.
The next step is the bill to be approved by Governor Mike Pence. As many as 36 of the Senate members and 75 of the House members gave their consent to the bill. However, neither the governor himself nor his representatives have revealed whether he was going to sign it or not.
As reported earlier, Indiana legislators had to solve two issues. The first one was related to the riverboat casinos but the second one – namely the live dealers for table games, led to heated debates and disagreements. In point of fact, the Governor is among the opponents of the live dealers, which increases the chances the bill to be signed and the live dealers availability to be postponed for a later stage.
Tom Dermody, the Chairman of the House Public Policy Committee, announced that the bill, known as House Bill 1540, will leave the casinos willing to add live dealers with no other choice but to wait for six years before they are enabled to submit an application and eventually get regulators’ nod.
For the time being, they are eligible for providing slot machines and electronic games only.
According to the initial plan, were to be able to apply for permission to add live dealers by January 2021.
However, the second term of the Governor will expire at the same time and an overlap is possible. That is why people with knowledge on the matter decided to postpone it and avoid such kind of coincidences provided that expectations come true and Mike Pence is re-elected.
Proponents of the idea for adding live dealers said that the delay made it impossible the local economy to be diversified and more job positions to be opened.
In addition, Bill 1540 aims at increasing the tax deduction applicable to free play coupons, which used to attract players to local casinos. The increase will amount to $2 million.
The latest turn of events enabled the General Assembly to determine the outcome of the agreement aimed at allowing a state tribe to establish a casino located in St. Joseph County. Yet, it is uncertain if any adequate measures can be taken as the area where the tribal casino is to be built is tribal land.
