That’s because the boat’s high-traffic location on the river means it needs to have the ability to move. “It’s imperative we be prepared to compete,” he said.Ĭasino owners have generally been coy about which boats might make the navigational change.īut officials at Horseshoe Southern Indiana in Harrison County have said they don’t plan to eliminate their motors or crew. McMillin said planned casinos in Ohio and potential gambling options in Kentucky mean Indiana’s operations need more flexibility. Jud McMillin, R-Lawrenceburg, who has three casinos - Hollywood in Dearborn County, Grand Victoria in Ohio County and Belterra in Switzerland County - in his House district. “The purpose of this bill is to put riverboat gaming communities in a position to benefit to their maximum potential,” said Rep. The bill also allows casinos to host card tournaments in their hotels, pavilions and convention space, rather than permitting them only on the gambling floor. Instead, the bill allows them to be permanently docked.Ĭasinos that make the change could save as much as $1 million annually - money that supporters said could be invested in other projects and amenities. The legislation requires that 10 of the state’s 13 casinos still float on water, but they would no longer have to be navigable.

Senate Bill 47, approved 58-41, now moves to Gov. INDIANAPOLIS - Riverboat casinos could eliminate their motors and marine crews - moving them further away from the state’s original concept of cruising gambling boats - under legislation the Indiana House passed Tuesday.

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