Currently, the use of video poker gambling is illegal in Indiana, but only one prosecutor that we're aware of — Tom Wilson of Steuben County — enforces the law. We are aware of one other prosecutor in the state who has established guidelines for the games, allowing their use up to a certain threshold.
As Sen. Robert Meeks, R-LaGrange, has pointed out for years, the use of the machines is widespread and the law is not enforced. But the bottom line is, without regulatory control, there are millions of dollars in potential tax revenue that is not collected. Meeks has favored legalizing the machines because they are already in place and the state could use the money.
“I’m looking for revenue,” Meeks said in an Associated Press story. “Under every rock.”
With state control, Meeks says, there would be regulation on payouts and who can play the games. As it is, Meeks said, children have been found playing the games.
We would like to see some consistency. The way it is, prosecutors have thumbed their collective noses at state law. A prime example is Steuben County. If one were to go looking for a video poker machine to play in the town of Orland, it would be difficult. However, drive about a half mile west, to Wall Lake in LaGrange County and you will be in luck. That’s because the law is enforced in Steuben and not in LaGrange.
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