Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law the bill that legislates slot machines at the state’s two horse-racing tracks. He also authorized new regulations to fight illegal gambling and restructure property taxes. The bills had been previously approved during a legislative session on 29th April.

Pursuant to the new legislation, the owners of the two pari-mutuel horse tracks, Hoosier Park in Anderson and Indiana Downs in Shelbyville, must pay the state $250 million over the next two years to be allowed to install 2,000 slot machines each. It also compels the tracks to spend at least $100 million in the construction of the casinos.

Although Governor Daniels opposed any net increase in gambling, he supported the slot machines bill because it provides much needed property tax relief and is linked to another provision to fight illegal gambling, video poker machines in bars and truck stops, mainly.

Pursuant to the bill, 16 extra officers will be hired to find illegal machines and revoke alcohol, tobacco and retail licenses. “The crackdown, even with the new legal slot machines, can result in a net decrease in gambling,” Governor Daniels finished.