Friday, October 27, 2006

Some lobbyists pushing to legalize electronic gambling machines are finding
a more receptive audience in eastern Indiana where authorities raided more
than 20 taverns accused of violating the law. Indiana Licensed Beverage
Association officials drew about 40 bar and restaurant owners to a meeting
Tuesday. It was one of a series of public meetings around the state to
persuade lawmakers that they should legalize video gambling when the General
Assembly convenes in January. The group's president, Don Marquardt, says
enforcing the law in taverns is driving the video gambling machines into
other venues such as convenience stores, where state excise police lack
authority.