By DEANNA MARTIN
Associated Press Writer
INDIANAPOLIS — Lawmakers appeared closer to a deal Sunday to allow slot machines at Indiana’s two horse racing tracks — a move that would funnel more than $500 million toward property tax relief for homeowners.
It would be Indiana’s biggest expansion of gambling since the Legislature authorized riverboat casinos in 1993, but lawmakers were working on another bill to crack down on illegal gambling elsewhere. That proposal would step up enforcement against illegal video gambling machines sometimes found in back rooms of bars, gas stations, truck stops and other locations.
Some say the two bills together could result in an overall decrease in gambling — something Gov. Mitch Daniels has said he supports.
Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, said lawmakers faced mounting pressure to approve the slot machine bill to help homeowners cope with property tax bills that could jump nearly 24 percent on average this year.
“Our constituents want us to help,” Long said. “We’re doing what we can, even though the source of the money is certainly not my choice. It is where we are right now given the circumstances the state’s facing.”
Under the compromise slots plan, the pari-mutuel race tracks in Anderson and Shelbyville could each pay a $250 million licensing fee to install up to 2,000 slot machines. The legislation would impose a graduated slot machine wagering tax — 25 percent on the first $100 million of adjusted slot machine receipts each year, 30 percent on the second $100 million and a 35 percent tax on revenues exceeding that amount. Both the fees and the tax money would be directed to property tax relief.
The bill would also require the race tracks to spend at least $100 million to build the facility to house slot machines. Supporters said that would ensure quality facilities at the horse tracks.
Lawmakers had considered permitting riverboat casinos to pay a $25 million fee to go from a riverboat to a barge — allowing them to more cheaply build bigger facilities on platforms instead of boats. Those provisions were removed after some casinos objected.
The bill could affect riverboats, however, because it would increase the tax rate to 40 percent for boats with adjusted gross receipts of more than $600 million a year. No riverboats currently take in that much per year.
The bill to crack down on illegal gambling would provide extra officers to go after video gambling machines, sometimes called “Cherry Masters.” Estimates on how many machines are being operated illegally have varied widely, but generally have ranged between 10,000 to 20,000.
That proposal would also create an administrative position that could revoke alcohol, tobacco, lottery and retail licenses from businesses that house illegal gambling machines.
Local News
7:20 p.m.: Lawmakers hope for big payout with slots bill
- Local News
-
-
Got flowers for Valentine's Day?
If you’re a wife or girlfriend reading this story, avert your eyes. This one’s for the men in your life.
-
Elwood mayor says new administration has had zero firings
Mayor Ron Arnold, who took office Jan. 1, said his administration has not fired a single employee.
-
Local churches work with Change This World
While 1.02 billion people are undernourished and 23,483 die of starvation or preventable disease per day in the world, according to Food and Agriculture statistics on Change This World’s website, there are those who are trying to make a difference by decreasing those numbers.
-
Getting Together: Anderson Symphony Orchestra seeks musical connections
Getting patrons in the proper mood for Valentine’s Day, the Anderson Symphony Orchestra delighted its audience with both classical and popular melodies of love on Saturday night. From Tchaikovsky to the Beatles, the professional musicians performed tales of love, tragedy and romance.
-
Arrest Log: Feb. 13
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Saturday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers, but are not final until the Madison County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
-
What's Where: Feb. 13
Local meetings and activities are scheduled Monday.
-
Scott Underwood: TV section alterations on the way
Two Sundays ago, The Herald Bulletin introduced a new product called Click, replacing the TV Week section. Like TV Week, Click includes TV listings grids, sports listings and Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
-
Analysis: Exceptional voice seemed lost in Houston's excessive fame
Whitney Houston’s numerous comeback attempts never gelled into anything the public cared about.
-
Close-out sale draws shoppers before Sears leaves city
The end is near for Sears in Anderson.
-
Democrats unhappy with redrawn county districts
New County Council district lines approved late last year have drawn the ire of county Democrats who complain that the changes were made without public input.
- More Local News Headlines
-
