Indiana Lawmakers Eye Gaming Changes to Boost Revenue

Indiana lawmakers are set to begin debate on a series of bills to revamp the state’s gambling and casino laws to boost competitiveness with Ohio, Michigan and Illinois casinos.

The legislation would allow the state’s 10 riverboat casinos to move onto land, reduce their taxes and expand gambling options at horse tracks, among other things.

Indiana generates nearly $1 billion annually from gaming revenues.

Officials said recently that they expect to see a 15% decline in casino revenues due to increased competition in neighboring states.

Senate Bill 585 would allow the cash-strapped city of Gary to move one of its two riverboats into the city. It is a move that officials in Gary have supported for a number of years.

“Many northwest Indiana residents acknowledge that the success of the city of Gary and the entire region are inextricably linked,” Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said in a statement.

“It is clear that regional prosperity requires a vibrant and flourishing Gary. As evidenced by Senate Bill 585, Indiana state leadership understands this and is open to assisting the city with a path forward to achieve this end.”

Another bill would eliminate the riverboat admissions tax and replace it with an increased tax on overall casino revenues, and another measure would also allow live table games at horse tracks. 

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