The Video Gaming Coalition–consisting of the Indiana Amusement & Music Operators Association, Indiana Licensed Beverage Association and Indiana Bowling Centers Association—is touring Indiana to promote legislation that would allow electronic gaming in bars, trucks stops and other non-casino locations with alcohol licenses.
The group claims the video gaming terminals would generate $165 million annually in new tax revenue, shared by host communities and the state. Bar owner Bill Smythe, IAMOA governmental affairs advocate, explained the local taxes would go toward road improvement and infrastructure.
The legislation would allow counties that are home to casinos to ban VGTs.
Because the video terminals typically offer poker, blackjack and other casino-type games, they’re opposed by operators of the state’s casinos. They claim the games would offer unfair competition to the casinos, which are highly regulated and taxed.
But IAMOA President Jerry Wilson said, “There are other reasons Indiana casino revenue is dropping,” including competition from nearby out-of-state casinos. Wilson noted Illinois casino revenue has been more stable than Indiana’s since authorizing VGTs in 2012. He added Illinois’ VGTs have boosted gambling tax revenue.
However, Indiana casino industry representatives remain opposed to VGTs, since the games attract casual gamblers who play slots at casinos.
Casino Association of Indiana President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Bell said, “The industry exists to promote local economic development and job growth. Those were the reasons the Indiana General Assembly legalized casinos in the 1990s.”
