Signed by Governor Mitch Daniels, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands gambling in certain facilities.

Highlights:

• Establishes, that in determining the navigable waterways on which riverboats may operate, the commission shall do the following (Sec. 3):
• Obtain any required approvals from the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the operation of riverboats on those waterways; 
• Consider the economic benefit that riverboat gambling provides to Indiana; and 
• Seek to ensure that all regions of Indiana share in the economic benefits of riverboat gambling.

• Defines "Riverboat" as any of the following on which lawful gambling is authorized under this article (Sec. 2):
• A self-propelled excursion boat; 
• A casino located in a historic hotel district; and 
• A permanently moored craft.

• Specifies that a riverboat that operates must have either (Sec. 5):
• A valid certificate of inspection from the United States Coast Guard for the carrying of at least 500 passengers; or 
• A valid certificate of compliance with marine structural and life safety standards determined by the commission; and 
• Be at least 150 feet in length.

• Establishes that gambling may be conducted on a riverboat or in a facility in which a card tournament is conducted by (Sec. 7):
• A licensed owner; 
• An operating agent; or 
• A trustee.

• Specifies that wagers may be received only from a person present on a riverboat or in a facility in which a card tournament is conducted; a person present may not place or attempt to place a wager on behalf of another person who is not present (Sec. 8). 

• Defines "gaming facility" as 1 or more of the following (Sec. 12):
• A riverboat; 
• A slot machine facility licensed under IC 4-35; and 
• Any hotel, golf course, or other facility that is owned by a person holding a gaming site permit, and related to the operation of the holder's riverboat or slot machine facility. 

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands gambling in certain facilities.

Highlights:

• Establishes, that in determining the navigable waterways on which riverboats may operate, the commission shall do the following (Sec. 3):
• Obtain any required approvals from the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the operation of riverboats on those waterways; 
• Consider the economic benefit that riverboat gambling provides to Indiana; and 
• Seek to ensure that all regions of Indiana share in the economic benefits of riverboat gambling.

• Defines "Riverboat" as any of the following on which lawful gambling is authorized under this article (Sec. 2):
• A self-propelled excursion boat; 
• A casino located in a historic hotel district; and 
• A permanently moored craft.

• Specifies that a riverboat that operates must have either (Sec. 5):
• A valid certificate of inspection from the United States Coast Guard for the carrying of at least 500 passengers; or 
• A valid certificate of compliance with marine structural and life safety standards determined by the commission; and 
• Be at least 150 feet in length.

• Establishes that gambling may be conducted on a riverboat or in a facility in which a card tournament is conducted by (Sec. 7):
• A licensed owner; 
• An operating agent; or 
• A trustee.

• Specifies that wagers may be received only from a person present on a riverboat or in a facility in which a card tournament is conducted; a person present may not place or attempt to place a wager on behalf of another person who is not present (Sec. 8). 

• Defines "gaming facility" as 1 or more of the following (Sec. 12):
• A riverboat; 
• A slot machine facility licensed under IC 4-35; and 
• Any hotel, golf course, or other facility that is owned by a person holding a gaming site permit, and related to the operation of the holder's riverboat or slot machine facility. 

Full Bill Text