Thursday, September 21, 2006

The legalization of video gambling is gaining attention this week after 40
arrests and the seizure of millions of dollars in the case of John Neal. The
fallout could change this year's election. Neal, a former Teamster boss, was
arrested in Daleville Monday on charges relating to a video gambling ring in
the region. The arrest came after an 18-month investigation, and it happened
in the middle of an election season. Indiana State Rep. Dennis Tyler,
D-Muncie, said the Neal case could alter the tone of campaigns. "Instead of
talking about job creation and funding and those type of things, now they'll
be talking about do you have a problem with gambling or not," Tyler said.
About $4 million was confiscated from Neal this week. Madison County
Prosecutor Rodney Cummings suggested the money wasn't just hidden away
untouched. "I suspect we'll find that he's been donating a lot of money to
state legislators and legislative candidates," said Cummings, a Republican.
Tyler declared he's not one of those politicians.

"I've never heard that. (Neal has) never given me any money," Tyler said,
later adding: "I think that there's more politics to it than what is being
said."

For his part, Cummings said every violation of the law is a priority to him.

"He was making a great deal of money through an illegal enterprise," he said
of Neal.

Neal will be formally charged Friday. Cummings said it could take months or
even years for a trial to take place.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association is hosting meetings
across the state to convince legislators to legalize video gambling.

Tyler said he will ask voters for input before taking a stance on the issue.

"I'll put together a survey and I'll send it out to my constituents and get
their thoughts and ideas and opinions on it," he said.