Senate Votes For Slot Machines

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(STATEHOUSE) - The Senate has voted to allow slot machines at Indiana’s two horse-racing tracks.

The measure received one more vote than the 26 needed to pass. The final 27-21 tally was unusual, with more Democrats than majority Republicans voting yes. Republicans divided 20-12 against the bill, while every Democrat present voted yes except Senator James Lewis.

The House must either approve changes the senate made, including a 400-million-dollar fee for a slots license, or negotiate a final version with the Senate. Tax and fiscal policy chairman Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville), who largely shaped the new version of the bill in his committee but still voted against it, warns supporters they should accept the changes as the best deal they're going to get.

"I think the longer we look at the deal, the less we're going to like it," Kenley said. Kenley says he'll earmark the expected 800-million dollars in license fees for property-tax relief. He's expected to roll out a proposal next week to give that relief by ending the use of property taxes for school funding, with the state picking up the entire tab instead.

Supporters say slots can breathe life into not only the tracks, whose owners say they're struggling, but Indiana's horse-breeding industry as well. Opponents complain gambling just props up the state's economy without growing it.

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