Legislature Not Done With Pull Tabs Bill

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(STATEHOUSE) - The legislature may not be done with pull tabs.

The bill passed last week to legalize pull-tab gambling in taverns also legalized winner-take-all raffle drawings there. Opponents pointed out there's no limit on how many drawings they can have, and supporters are conceding the point. A conference committee may close that loophole as part of a separate bill on gaming regulations.

Indiana Licensed Beverage Association lobbyist Ron Breymier says all the taverns wanted was the right to hold a daily drawing, and says they won't object to the change, even if legislators opt to limit the drawings to once a week or once a month.

The change would be attached to a bill repealing last year's Indiana Gaming Commission and Horse Racing Commission regulations allowing the state to demand a piece of the action before approving a transfer of partial ownership in a casino or racetrack.

Governor Daniels urged the commissions to rush the regulations through after the General Assembly legalized slot machines at Indiana's two horse racing tracks, sending the value of those tracks soaring.

Legislators complain the regulations amount to an end run around a law prohibiting transfer fees. A lawsuit over the regulations is pending.

Negotiators meet again Tuesday afternoon to discuss a final version of the bill, including whether the former track owners should get a refund on what they paid the state.

Daniels hasn't said yet whether he'll sign the pull tabs bill.

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