Players will be able to take part in land-based casino gaming in the state of Indiana thanks to the passing of the House Enrolled Act 1540. This bill was requesting the option for riverboat casinos in the state to be able to provide land-based gaming. The bill has provisions so that the governor’s signature is not needed. Governor Mike Pence will not have to sign the bill for casinos to move from the riverboat to land.
In a statement on Friday, Pence announced that the bill was consistent with his feelings on the subject to help casinos in the state be able to remain competitive and not expand gambling within the state. Pence did not want to see gaming expanded and by allowing existing operators to move on land is not essentially an expansion into new gaming.
In previous versions of the bill, the language would have allowed horse track/casinos in the Shelbyville and Anderson area to offer live dealer gaming for table games. However this language was removed as Pence was not in agreement. With the new approved measure, the state will be able to request live dealer gaming by the year 2021.
Since the 1990s, the casinos in Indiana have only been available on the water. The casinos have then had to compete with neighboring states, and not being able to offer gaming options on land. The governor has stated in the past he would allow legislation to pass without his signature if he was in agreement with the language of the bill. Previously, the governor vetoed the HEA 270 bill which would have provided access to Advance Deposit Wagering in the state.
The bill was able to move through the House and Senate, allowing lawmakers to override a veto with the majority if needed. The state will now be able to be more competitive instead of remaining on the water.
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