Type II gambling to be permitted in Indiana bars

Bloomington bars will be allowed to offer some forms of legalized gambling starting July 1. \nCurrently, the only bar advertising plans to begin gambling immediately is the Office Lounge, 3900 E. Third St., which was cited in 1997 and 2003 for its involvement in illegal gambling. \nThe new law passed by the Indiana General Assembly specifies that “type II gaming may be conducted by taverns that are issued a retailer’s endorsement that is affixed to the tavern owner’s alcoholic beverage permit.” This allows the sale of pull tabs, punchboards and tip boards which will be exempt from the state gross retail tax. \nAll three types are games of chance and are similar to scratch-off lottery tickets or other cardboard lottery games. \nWith only one bar confirming plans to host gambling, the current demand for the games remain unknown. Some people have, none the less, expressed concerns over potential problems. \n“It’s a very dangerous move, liquor and gambling don’t mix well,” said Rev. John D. Wolf, the founder of the Indiana Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. “Any gambling can produce what we call the ABC’s: Addiction, Bankruptcy and Crime. I would think with Bloomington being a student community its even more dangerous.” \nSenior Caitlin Coar, however, isn’t buying into the idea of gambling being more dangerous than some other legal activities. \n“I don’t think it’s a bad thing that they can gamble,” said Coar. “It is just another way for bars to make money, but it’s not any more dangerous than drinking.” \nIllegal gambling is something that’s been a problem for the Office Lounge in the past. \nAccording to Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission records, tip boards were among the evidence against the Office Lounge in June of 2003 when it was charged with promoting professional gambling and ordered to pay a $1000 fine. The tavern was also cited for evidence of electronic gambling found on the premises. The Office Lounge was also cited in October of 1997 for evidence of electronic gambling, which resulted in a $500 fine. \n“Despite past citations, only outstanding taxes or violations will keep them from receiving a type II endorsement,” said Major Robin Poindexter of the Indiana State Excise Police. \n“That is a little ridiculous,” said senior Roderick Deerr. “Those fines were nothing, they probably still profited from it and now they are being rewarded with legal gambling.” \nCoar disagrees with Deerr’s view. \n“They paid the fines, they paid the price,” said Coar. “They shouldn’t have done it, but obviously it shows that people want to gamble at their bar.” \nLarry Arthur, owner of the Office Lounge, could not be reached for comment. Owners of various bars around Bloomington, including Nick’s English Hut, Kilroy’s Bar and Grill and the Video Saloon, were either unavailable or declined to comment.\nIn 2007, Indiana’s adjusted gross revenue from gaming taxes was $2,642,350,836.