Non-smoking accomodations at riverboat casinos like the Casino Aztar, in Evansville, will be among the topics discussed at Monday's meeting of the Gaming Study Committee.

Kenley, committee co-chair, said lawmakers on Monday will being discussing horse racing issues at 10 a.m. in Room 431 at the Statehouse. More general gambling discussions will take place at 1 p.m.

“The Aug. 24 morning session will cover horse racing issues, like allowing slot machines at satellite locations, double taxation and if table games should be allowed in Indiana,” Kenley said. “Other gaming issues like restrictions on alcohol promotions, parity of confidentiality rules and waivers for gaming tournaments will be discussed in the afternoon.”

State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette), committee member, said the eight-member panel will work with the executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission to try and resolve these issues.

“Although these topics were brought up during the special session, lawmakers had to focus primarily on creating a balanced, two-year state budget,” Alting said. “Now is the time to fully study and look at these gaming issues from all sides.”

Visit http://mediaserverr.ihets.org/senate431 to watch a live broadcast over the Web.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.
Sen. Kenley represents Senate District 20, which includes Hamilton, Grant, Madison and Tipton counties.

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News via Lafayette Indiana Online

Gaming Study Committee to meet Monday to tackle riverboat, casino, racino issues

More than 1,900 high-tech slot machines and electronic gaming devices are complemented by the world-renowned cuisine of Wolfgang Puck inside Cafe Live by Wolfgang Puck. Indiana Live Casino may employ up to 350 people at its temporary, 70,000-square-foot location.

“This has been an exciting process for everyone involved with The Cordish Company, Indiana Downs and Indiana Live Casino,” said Mark Hemmerle, general manager of Indiana Live Casino. “We are elated that this day has finally arrived and that we have gained approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission to welcome everyone throughout central Indiana and beyond to experience the latest, greatest and most exciting Vegas-style casino Indiana has to offer.”

Indiana Live Casino staged a 10-hour VIP event Friday that served as a test run of the casino before the state gaming commission. Hundreds of exclusively invited guests were able to experience the casino’s high-tech slots and electronic gaming devices and dine at Cafe Live by Wolfgang Puck during the event. Prior, a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony featured a special designation by Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson, who proclaimed Friday as “Indiana Live Casino Day” in Shelby County.

Before Indiana Live Casino could officially open to the public, it was required to undergo Friday’s comprehensive gaming commission auditing process that thoroughly scrutinized operations and ensured internal policies and procedures met state-enforced industry regulations.

“Indiana Live Casino’s reality has been a day-and-night effort between East Coast and Midwest teams dedicated to a mutual business venture, the rules and regulations of the state’s industry regulators and the interests of those throughout central Indiana who seek the thrills of challenging gaming, fine dining and excellent nightlife,” Hemmerle said. “We’ve been working around the clock to get this temporary facility up and open and now that the day’s here, we look forward to our next milestone – opening the permanent Indiana Live Casino in January. This has been an extremely satisfying and rewarding experience.”

In January, the temporary site will give way to a sprawling, 233,000- square-foot permanent Indiana Live Casino connected to the Indiana Downs clubhouse. The permanent site will feature not only the slots and electronic gaming devices but also upscale dining and nightlife destinations, including Maker’s Mark Steakhouse, NASCAR Sports Grille, Live Market featuring international foods in a fresh-market atmosphere and both the Angels Rock Bar and Mosaic Center Bar. Up to 650 people may be employed by Indiana Live Casino at its permanent home.

“All of that — combined with both live and simulcasting horse racing at Indiana Downs, you just can’t ask for more,” Hemmerle said.

Today’s public opening of Indiana Live Casino will be followed by several exciting events this week, including a concert series beginning Thursday in the casino’s 5,000-seat outdoor concert venue. Blood Sweat and Tears performs Thursday, followed by Kenny Loggins on Friday, Vertical Horizon and The Calling on Saturday and Phil Vassar with special guest Jeremy McComb on Sunday.

Indiana Live Casino, located at Indiana Downs, is the closest casino to downtown Indianapolis. The casino is located 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis off Interstate 74 at Exit 109 in Shelbyville, and just under two hours from Lafayette-West Lafayette. Indiana Live Casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.

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ABOUT INDIANA LIVE CASINO

Indiana Live Casino is owned by Indiana Downs LLC. The project is being developed and managed by Baltimore, Md.-based developer The Cordish Company. The Cordish Company’s Gaming Operations are headed by CEO and partner Dennis Gomes. For more, visit www.indianalivecasino.com .

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News via Lafayette Indiana Online

Indiana Live Casino brings Vegas-style entertainment, cuisine to Central Indiana