Legislation that would allow table games at Indiana racetracks has advanced in the state Senate.
The addition of table games at tracks is part of a major overhaul of Indiana casino regulations and taxes that cleared the state Senate amid arguments from its supporters that the casinos need help against growing competition from surrounding states.
Senators voted 32-18 on the night of Feb. 25 to approve the bill that would allow Indiana's 10 riverboat casinos to move inland to adjacent property and permit live table games at the two horse track casinos. The bill would also cut state taxes on casinos by millions of dollars.
Several senators who represent counties with casinos objected to provisions that would reduce how much casino tax revenue is distributed to local governments. They argue those communities bear extra expenses hosting the casinos.
The bill now goes to the House, where several leaders are wary of making major changes in the casino laws.
