SEARCH NEWS:

 

Concerns Raised on Indiana Casino Rule

INDIANA – As reported by the Indianapolis Star: "A state regulation that allows some Orange County officials to communicate with casino companies outside the public eye is raising concern that those charged with selecting the state's newest casino operator could be swayed by quiet negotiations and gifts.

"At issue are the four nonvoting members of the French Lick-West Baden Springs Historic Hotel Preservation Commission, the local panel that will make recommendations on which of five applicants is best suited to run the state's newest casino.

"The Indiana Gaming Commission bars casino companies from giving gifts to any members of the local commission and its advisory members. But the local commission has made no rules preventing its advisory members from accepting gifts. And the advisory members do not have to follow the state's ex-parte rules, which require that all casino negotiations be done in a public forum.

"The loophole worries anti-gambling activists in Orange County, who contend that casino companies used thousands of dollars in donations to persuade voters to approve the county's recent casino referendum.

"…The ex-parte communication rules apply only to members of the Indiana Gaming Commission and voting members of the Orange County commission.

"Because each group has a say in which company will be chosen to operate the casino, casino companies can communicate with them only in a public meeting.

"The rules also bar casino companies from giving commission members gifts…"

< Gaming News