It may seem absurd. No, scratch that, it does seem absurd. But there’s a simple solution to solve the Capital
Improvement Board’s $47 million budget shortfall. Legalized sports gambling.
That proposal won’t see the light of day during the current CIB debate, but sooner or later, some brave politician will broach the idea. I’m betting sooner, rather than later. And this is why. Legalized sports gambling has long been the garbage route of organized crime. But lets face it, it’s a multi-billion-dollar business. And if it’s taxed, it would very easily slam shut the CIB’s shortfall.
Already, Nevada, Oregon, Delaware and Montana have legalized sports gambling. New Jersey wants it. And—gasp—Iowa is looking hard at it. Yes, Iowa, with many of the same Midwestern values as Indiana.
But the domino that will trigger Indiana’s move is this; Sooner or later some community somewhere—maybe in Iowa—will use the taxes from legalized sports betting to build an arena or stadium, maybe even expand a convention center. Eventually a city or region will use the money to lure a professional sports franchise. And suddenly, legalized sports betting is a necessary evil to compete as a city housing a team or a dream to be a convention capital. Indianapolis will simply have to have it to keep up.
Sure, there will be protesters. The NCAA is certain to be leading that parade. But by the time it gets to that point, it won't matter.
Politicians will eventually tell themselves—and their constituents—how much different is it to place a bet on a pony at Hoosier Park than to make a wager on the Indianapolis Colts? That line will be blurred, and crossed.
Sure, it seems absurd now. But once upon a time, so did a state-run lottery in Indiana. And so did Hoosier homed pari-mutuel horse tracks. And river boat casinos. Given the history of this state—and its infatuation with being a major league city, legalized sports betting in Indiana doesn’t seem to face long odds at all.
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Do you honestly think Mayor Dullard and Gubner Mitchy gonna let this happen? HE!! n0!
I am sure all those folks who paid 250k - 1m for their homes on the East side of DT are just wild about putting a Casino/bookie joint in their neighborhood! At least its a step above Dullard's idea of putting a bus terminal there (Now that he's been the laughing stock of national media about getting swindeled of his cell phone! :lol: )
Safety first! wasn't that his platform? Sure, lets OPEN UP A BOOKIE JOINT ACROSS THE STREET FROM CITY HALL!
needs more cricket fields and chinatowns
This gets sadder by the day.
The stadia can be refinanced and costs need to be continually looked at.
Let's only consider another gambling option as an absolute last resort
With an agreement to host final fours, regional finals, opening rounds, etc.? I have a strong feeling that agreement would go away very quickly with legalized sports betting in the same home of the NCAA headquarters.
I don't mind the idea of a casino/entertainment location downtown - but sports gambling in something the ICVA and others deem the Amateur Sports Capital of the World - YIKES!
Indianapolis is headed for an identity crisis with these ideas!
This tax just needs to be increased to fill the void the CIB owes to the professional teams.
What gets sadder by the day is the number of people that feel insulting and miss using peoples names somehow makes their argument better. Truly sad.
Something sticks in my head that an agreement between the Colts and City is that the City will not put an additional tax on their salaries. They of course are already taxed like any other person working in Indy.
Is it fair to put additional tax on a pro ball player to pay for the CIB? Would City employees or State Employees appreciate a 1% additional tax on their salaries to pay for the public buildings they work in? I mean sure, the pros make more, but 1% of every city and State employee would raise a lot of money, and barely put a dent in their take home.
Second, a tax on professional athletes would be illegal. A Colts player making $2M a year can't be taxed at a higher income rate than a Well Point exec making the same salary. Imagine if the republican controlled senate could decide that everyone who belongs to a union must pay 1% more in taxes.
Third, back to the gambling issue, why not pursue Internet Casinos/Poker websites? I believe one of the great plains states tried to legalize internet gambling, hoping all the offshore companies would move to their state and increase tax revenue. The Bush Administration issued an opinion that Internet gambling would violate the federal wiretap act, but most legal scholars who've studied the issue doubt that the act can be stretched that far.
Regarding the potential fight from the NCAA and NFL, look no further than what is happening in Delaware right now. That state's governor has proposed that the state reinstate sports wagering and the NCAA has pledged to block any NCAA-sanctioned tournament games from being played there. The NFL is also actively lobbying to defeat the Delaware proposal.
In short, even if Indiana legislators wanted to legalize sports wagering, they'd be preempted by federal law.
Any suggestions on cuts? For example: Uniforms are $62,300. Why can't everone wear their own Navy or black slacks with white or black top?
If the casino is the biggest possible money maker for the CIB ..i think this location would be the answer to alot of peoples fears...
wpsbuffett in Indy
people are filling the two local casinos and at least i will say shelbville is out in the boonies and i live with in 20 minute from it
seemed like a good idea to get around the biggest concern ..parking
BUT from the stand point of being a downtown tourist spot and centrally located ...you are correct ...