Indiana lawmakers approve high stakes tournament events
On Wednesday, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill allowing casinos to use hotels or other owned property where a casino is located for a live poker tournament. The motivation is to allow the land based casinos to hold high stakes poker tournaments. The tournaments are a draw for tourism and revenue in multiple facets.
Opponents of the bill voiced concerns over children’s safety, as some might be wandering the halls of a hotel during one of these events. It appears their perception is that a parent is unable to contain or be responsible for their child and they must step up to protect them.
Lawmakers who spoke in favor of the bill believe the casinos need to be able to host larger poker events. By authorizing them to utilize the fullest extent of their own property, the government is enabling the casinos who wish to achieve this. The bill passed by a 58-41 vote.
Governor Mitch Daniels will have the final say on the bill soon.