Indiana casinos win few gains from Legislature

The Indiana Legislature turned down most of the proposals meant to boost the state's casinos as they face greater competition from neighboring states.

The compromise that received final approval from the Senate early Saturday won't allow live table games such as blackjack and roulette at the horse track casinos near Indianapolis, where only electronic versions of those games are now allowed. It also won't permit the 10 riverboat casinos to build new inland facilities nearby.

Republican Sen. Phil Boots of Crawfordsville had sought those provisions and said he was disappointed he couldn't get an agreement from House Republicans who regarded them as a gambling expansion.

The bill does give some tax breaks by allowing the casinos to deduct up to $5 million a year in free gambling given in promotions.

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