Officials at the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association (ILBA) say more than 900 business owners and operators in the state have signed a petition asking for legislation that would allow them to offer video gaming terminals.
The signers represent Indiana bars, taverns, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars halls and nonprofits. They say the games would attract new customers and generate new revenues to help them recover from Covid-19.
ILBA President Brad Klopfenstein said, “These Indiana-based small businesses are important parts of small towns and neighborhoods. They have created jobs and paid taxes for decades, only to watch the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry explode in Indiana while they are left with the challenges of keeping their doors open. Without this fair and modest change in state law, many of them will be forced to close permanently.”
Klopfenstein added, “These establishments are what give our communities character, and they’re strong community partners. They’re the first to support local fundraisers, and the owners are your neighbors. We are not asking for a handout, but we are asking for the state’s permission. This change could save many of these establishments at no cost to the state,””
Klopfenstein said video gaming terminals could create more than 32,000 jobs, protect small businesses and generate in excess of $100 million in the first full year. Other groups supporting video gaming terminals, besides the ILBA, include the Indiana Amusement & Music Operators Association, Indiana Bowling Centers Association and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association.
