IN Video Gambling Advocates Search for Support in Evansville
Lobbyists made a stop in Evansville Tuesday at River City Eagles lodge to ask people to get on board with a bill allowing video gambling in liquor licensed establishments like taverns and bowling alleys.
Advocates of the bill say they want voters to take the issue up with candidates this election.
People interested in what video gambling could mean for them and their business gathered to learn more and ask questions to lobbyists with the Indiana Amusement and Music Operators Association.
Advocates of the bill use Illinois as an example of what could happen in Indiana. A bill was passed there in 2012. According to presenters, the average establishment nets 60-thousand dollars a year in Illinois.
Lobbyist Bill Smythe says, “We’re expecting roughly 3,000-3,500 businesses would benefit directly and those dollars would stay in the state. Small business owners would go out and employ more people. It would expand economies in all of the communities. So, whereas there is somewhat of a monopoly with the thirteen properties now, we’re talking about something that would be much more robust for everyone in the state of Indiana.â€
Part of the bill includes language allowing communities to opt out. Voters could say video gambling is not what is best for this community.
Advocates of the bill say it would mean big bucks for the state and small business. Eighty percent of the tax money collected would go to roads and infrastructure, split between the state and local government.
The bill allows for five machines for establishments that limit entry to 21 and older and ten machines for truck stops.
In Illinois, lobbyists say the average machine in a bar makes a hundred dollars a day and two hundred dollars a day at a truck stop.
Unofficial Results from Maceo’s Wet-Dry Election
The question on the ballot said “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in the Maceo precinct?
63 people voted yes, 51 voted no.
Out of 927 registered voters, 12.3% in Maceo cast ballots.
Officials say, only 55 people needed to vote “yes†for this to but put into effect, which did happen today.
Henderson Officials Set Property Tax Rate
The compensating rate on real estate property was set at .61¢ per $100 of market value, which is a 2¢ increase on real estate property.
For personal property, the rate was set at .81.8¢, which is no increase.
Officials say the levy will generate more than $312,000 in additional revenue.
The 2016 tax bill is due in full on January 3rd.
But if property owners pay by November 16th, they will see a 1% discount.
