Indiana's riverboat casinos could receive tax breaks and be able to expand onto land under legislation the Senate Public Policy Committee debated Wednesday, but it won't happen anytime soon.
The panel didn't vote on the bill, however, which means it will likely head to a summer study committee for further discussion.
The panel didn't vote on the bill, however, which means it will likely head to a summer study committee for further discussion.
Sen. Phil Boots, R- Crawfordsville, called Senate Bill 364 a “very innovative idea” and stressed its importance as it pertains to Indiana’s gambling industry.
The bill would also authorize table gambling in racinos.
Competition to Indiana casinos has arisen from Ohio, which currently has six new venues drawing customers away from the Hoosier state.
“I think our operators are top notch, they just need the tools to compete with the rest of the world,” Boots said.
Indiana’s gaming revenue has been significantly declining in recent years.
In 2009, wagering at the casinos topped $2.8 billion. In 2012, it was $2.56 billion, an 11.8-percent drop.
The bill would also authorize table gambling in racinos.
Competition to Indiana casinos has arisen from Ohio, which currently has six new venues drawing customers away from the Hoosier state.
“I think our operators are top notch, they just need the tools to compete with the rest of the world,” Boots said.
Indiana’s gaming revenue has been significantly declining in recent years.
In 2009, wagering at the casinos topped $2.8 billion. In 2012, it was $2.56 billion, an 11.8-percent drop.
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