No Expanded Gaming in Indiana--Just Yet

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By James Platz
The Indiana General Assembly adjourned March 14 without a balanced budget, and it failed to pass legislation that would have expanded gaming in the state. Even so, pull-tab machines at racetracks and dockside gaming at riverboat casinos made significant inroads this year.

A Senate bill passed by both chambers before it moved to conference committee did not meet the midnight deadline. A report signed by the committee called for 700 pull-tab machines (video lottery terminals) at Hoosier Park and the proposed Indianapolis Downs, as well as two Marion County off-track wagering facilities. It also called for the first $26 million in tax revenue to go to purses and breed development in the state, with additional percentages offered in the third year.

In the end, dockside gaming, pull-tabs, and the construction of a riverboat casino in French Lick fell victim to political posturing over a solution to the state's $1.3-billion budget deficit. While Republicans and Democrats could not agree on a budget, they were in agreement that gaming expansion could not take precedence over property tax relief.

"We were caught in the crossfire of a political debate," Hoosier Park president and general manager Rick Moore said. "But it's farther than we've ever gotten before."

Gov. Frank O'Bannon can call lawmakers back for a special session. In the event of a special session, gaming could be reintroduced. At this time, O'Bannon said he favors budget cuts over a special session to look for funding.

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