Indiana to vote on gambling expansion

Indiana could soon expand its gambling offering as a committee will discuss legislation to approve several changes to its landscape, including sports betting.

US.- The sports betting segment continues to take over the US and Indiana might be among the next states to approve it. The House Public Policy Committee will debate legislation that would allow a gambling expansion in the state, which includes the segment.

The Senate has already approved the Indiana gambling expansion and sent it to the committee. Should it pass, it would allow a casino in Terre Haute, the relocation of a casino in Lake County, and sports betting.

“There will be changes,” Rep. Terri Austin – who co-sponsors the bill – said of the legislation. “That will be determined in a conference committee.” She also said she believes it will ultimately reach the Governor’s desk for final approval.

However, the bill still needs to reach the Public Policy Committee afterwards, which will assess revenue-related details.

“There are a lot of benefits to the gaming industry and economic development around the state,” Sen. Tim Lanane said of the proposal.

“This legislation will allow Harrah’s to convert from electronic table games to live dealers now, rather than waiting on an unrealistic 2021 start date,” Anderson Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr said. “This will allow Harrah’s to remain viable in the industry and to deliver the services customers want.

The Indiana gambling expansion bill would create hundreds of jobs and generate additional investment and tourism. According to Dirk Webb, executive director of the Anderson/Madison Chamber of Commerce jobs was the main reason for supporting the legislation.

“Any time there are more jobs coming to the area we will support the effort,” Webb said.