Dockside gambling is proposed in Indiana

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

INDIANAPOLIS -- Fearing a severe loss of business to Illinois, Indiana riverboat operators are pushing for new laws that would permit the boats to stay dockside while patrons gamble.

The Indianapolis Star reported at least two bills are expected to be introduced in the state legislature this year that would eliminate cruising requirements. The casinos say the move is necessary to compete with Illinois, which passed dockside gambling last year.

Since that time, the revenues of northwest Indiana casinos has remained flat while Illinois business has soared. One casino, Casino Aztar in Evansville, saw a 21 percent drop in revenues from 1998. A study issued by the Casino Association of Indiana suggested the expansion of gaming in neighboring states could reduce Indiana's gaming revenues by as much as 30 percent by 2005.

Indiana's gaming industry now employs more than 12,000, and has provided more than $1 billion in revenue since its legalization in 1995.

But Indiana's top officials don't appear willing to go along with the move. House Speaker John Gregg has said he saw no need to consider any new gaming issues during this session. A spokesman for Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon said the governor would consider dockside gaming an expansion of gambling. O'Bannon is opposed to the expansion of gambling.

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