Indiana’s Annual Slot Machine Attempt

Every year certain groups within Indiana try to get slot machines legalized to no avail. The pari-mutuels have been trying for years to get slot machines legalized, as they say the only way they can continue to survive is to bring them to the tracks. Other groups just want the slot machines to help out with the budget deficit that the state faces, or even to possibly help reduce taxes. No matter how you look at it, a lot of people want to see slot machines in Indiana.

However, there are also those that don’t want the slot machines brought in. In 2004 there was a slot machine proposal that passed the House, but the Senate killed it. Mostly to blame or congratulate for that is Robert Garton, who was the Senate President at that time. Garton does not want slot machines to come into Indiana – and has blocked previous attempts for them to be brought into the tracks. However, Garton is now out of a job.

Now they have Senator David Long who is opposed to slot machines, although he did say that he would let his caucus decide as to whether or not they would get legalized. The governor is not a fan of the slot machines either, although he has said that he would keep an open mind about them.

The one bill that is currently out there hoping to get passed is one by Rep. Scott Reske who wants to see up to 2,500 slot machines at each of the tracks. He would also like to see slot machines at OTBs in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. The slot machine bill would bring in 32.5% to the state on the first $150 in slot machine revenue, and 37.5% on all revenue above that.

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