IN Makes Move to Expand Gambling
In Indiana gambling laws state that casinos can only operate on riverboats. It’s a law that has served the state well over the years. Patrons from the state and neighboring states travel to visit the riverboats and enjoy gambling in a novel way. There are changes to the state laws coming though. Lawmakers are looking to discuss the possibility of changing the state law tying gambling and riverboats together. They are now looking to allow a new land-based casino to be built in downtown South Bend.
There are several groups pushing for the move to build the new casino. They are citing its possibility of reinvigorating the economy and bringing millions into the state’s budgets. Another repercussion of the move would be to create jobs for the local economy. Many people are unemployed in the state and this is one of the biggest advantages legislators are advertising and promoting. Gaming analyst Steve Schwartz said, “Right now, there are several different groups who want to bring land-based casinos to Indiana. If the state laws change, these groups had better move quickly or they are going to lose out on licensing.”
Despite a strong push for the move, like with other states there is an opposing side that sees the new land-based casino as a bad move. One of their biggest arguments is that South Bend is a financially risky area for a casino. Analysts are citing that there are more financially sound areas of the state where it would make more fiscal sense to build in.
At this time Indiana has eleven riverboat casinos but more than a few are citing bad location as their number one problem. Some are even petitioning the state to allow them to relocate to inland areas. Though legislators have thus far denied the requests, they still are working to build up their case for the moves. Another issue that is weighing heavily on the state is building a land-based casino that could potentially infringe on the daily routines of locals. Many are worried that having a land-based casino in the area would congest roads, bring in crime and bring in more need for addiction services.
