One of the biggest surprises – and announcements – from Mayor Tom Henry’s State of the City address had little to do with city government at all.INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mitch Daniels on Friday discounted the idea of tax restructuring or bailouts for Indiana’s casino industry while remaining open to the idea of new land-based casinos in the state within the existing license structure.
He was reacting to news that Ohio voted for four land-based casinos this week, and the detriment it could have on state coffers.
“One – I’m not very worried. And two – I’m against any expansion,” Daniels said.
He said casino gambling revenue makes up 5 percent of the state budget, and while the state would feel a reduction in that amount, “there are worse things than being a little less dependent on gaming.”
A legislative committee has been studying various gambling issues this summer.
During those meetings, casinos around the state have asked for aid from the state including changing the tax structure, adding table games and moving one of two Gary casinos to Fort Wayne or another northeast Indiana location.
But Daniels said he doesn’t support modifying the tax structure to benefit the casinos.
“If they are asking for tax relief, if they’re asking for cash, if they’re asking for money they voluntarily put up for those licenses to be given back, no,” he said.
“If we start bailing out industries in this state, we’re not going to start with a very profitable one like that.”
Daniels was more open to freeing the casinos from “riverboat” regulations such as having an engine and a captain even though they don’t move.
And he would look at land-based gambling in new areas so long as it was within the existing 13 licenses.
“I wouldn’t rule that out,” he said.
House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, said he isn’t sure what the solution is for the casino industry but said he wouldn’t rule anything in or out before the legislative committee gives recommendations.
