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Critics Challenge Binion License Renewal

``Jack Binion, 64, the son of one of Nevada's earliest casino operators, has asked that the Indiana Gaming Commission renew his casino license for the Horseshoe Casino riverboat.

``However, a group of gambling opponents fears Binion's history and Vegas glitz will hurt the area.

```It's not a matter of renewing a license but a whole way of life,' said John Wolf, coordinator of the Indiana Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. `We are standing up and saying, 'You can't do this to our state.' '

``…The Horseshoe is one of three Indiana riverboats facing renewal hearings Thursday and Friday.

``Wolf's group says the Indiana Gaming Commission should heed a report by the Illinois Gaming Board, which last year found Binion unsuitable to operate the Joliet, Ill., riverboat casino he had bought in November 1999.

``…According to the report, Binion was fined in Nevada and Louisiana for failing to follow reporting guidelines for cash transactions.

``…Indiana gambling officials said they conducted their own investigation in 1999, when they granted Binion his license, but turned up no evidence of problems.

`` … Wagner, president of Horseshoe, said he thinks Binion is held to a different standard than publicly owned gambling companies…"

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