Industry Developments
The riverboat casino industry in Indiana has flourished by providing a popular entertainment venue for Hoosiers and other tourists. Beyond the entertainment benefits to patrons, riverboat casino gaming's financial impact on the state of Indiana is considerable.Competitive Pressures
In January 1998, Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon established, by executive order, the Indiana Gambling Impact Study Commission. This Commission's charge was to study the social, fiscal and economic impact of gambling on the state of Indiana. The results of this study, issued in December 1999, indicate that Indiana riverboat casinos have provided overwhelmingly positive economic benefits to the state and its communities.
The Casino Association of Indiana is committed to protecting and enhancing this revenue stream while continuing to support important community projects throughout the state. To do this, however, the Indiana casino industry will need to improve its competitive position among bordering states that offer or plan to offer other, more competitive forms of casino gaming:
- In Michigan, proposed land-based casinos in New Buffalo and Battle Creek, as well as new land-based casinos in Detroit, threaten northern Indiana riverboat casinos.