Slot Machines coming to Indiana Racetracks?

Filed in archive on January 15, 2007

According to the Indianapolis Star, slot machines may be on the horizon for Indiana horse tracks.

"Political changes in the Indiana House and Senate, combined with the state's need to find money to fund such things as full-day kindergarten, have created the most favorable conditions in years for advocates of putting the machines at the struggling tracks.

"House Bill 1402, filed by Rep. Scott Reske, D-Anderson, would allow 1,500 slot machines each at the Hoosier Park track in Anderson and the Indiana Downs track in Shelbyville and at two off-track betting parlors in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.

"He expects wagering taxes on the machines would raise more than $200 million in revenue. Some money would go to the counties where the tracks are located and some to the state to pay for full-day kindergarten, health-care coverage for the uninsured and increased benefits for members of the military.

"House Bill 1441, filed by Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, would allow up to 2,500 slot machines each at the two horse-racing tracks, but not at off-track sites..."