New slot machine bill in Indianapolis brings new uproar
New slot bill proposal was raised to plant 2,500 slot machines in two horse racing tracks in Anderson and near Shelbyville in the Indianapolis. Millions of dollars are expected to be yielded from the wagering activities, which partially assumed to be donated to the establishment of a new stadium for the NFL's Colts. The mayor of Indianapolis, Bart Peterson and the president of Colts Bill Polian have recurrently stressed the importance of a new stadium together with $46 million a year sliced from slot machine revenues.
However, a top lawmaker refused to forward the slot machine proposal until the issue of legislation is more apparent. Peterson ratified that it is possible to raise the county option income tax, but it would be more vital for such issues as public safety. Lawmakers expressed their doubts whether Paterson could really find funding alternatives in case General Assembly does not pass the slot-machine proposal. Paterson's "most realistic alternative" came down to regional sales tax which according to him will help paying for the stadium. But horse racing officials said they need slot machines to let their destitute industry recuperate.
Some negative voices were heard from the riverboat casino representatives who spoke against the bill maintaining that it is not right for the state to build land-based casinos when boats have planked down the money to comply with the state law that casinos float.
