Industry News
Indiana Moves to Legalize Gambling in Bars, Restaurants
The small, paper games of chance, typically sold for $1 each, known as pull tabs, are sold in bars, without a license, currently. Politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, are considering a significant revision in the law.According to Brad Klopfenstein, executive director of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association, a trade group, representing bar and tavern owners, legislators should consider letting bars and restaurants that sell alcohol have some "small form" of legal gambling.
Today, non-profit clubs are allowed to sell "pull-tabs" to raise money for their organizations and other charitable causes, according to Klopfenstein. In many cases, the clubs are direct competition with tax-paying small businesses. "We would like some parity," Klopfsenstein said.
To play one of the pull-tab games, gamer tears open the card and looks for a winning combination of symbols. Generally, the back of the card displays the winning combinations and prizes.
Considered Serious
According to Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford), there is support for the effort to legalize the paper games for bars. The committee's chairman, Rep. Trent Van Haaften (D-Mount Vernon) indicates it's one of the proposals lawmakers will consider seriously this legislative session.Bar owners came into the legislature; hoping to persuade lawmakers to legalize video gambling devices that are akin to slot machines. These devices often referred to as Cherry Masters after one of the brand names, are common in bars and other locations throughout the state.
Yesterday, Rep. Van Haaften said he supports a number of the Senate amendments, including proposals that allow the state to revoke licenses or permits for bars or other retailers found with illegal gambling machines -- once the new law is in place to expand legalized gambling.
The bill is also getting attention, for many lawmakers also are considering legislation that would authorize as many as 5,000 slot machines at the state's horse tracks.
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