Gov. Mike Pence says he remains opposed to allowing more land-based casinos in Indiana despite a push from Evansville officials worried about declining revenue from the city's riverboat. Evansville City Council President John Friend told Pence during a public meeting Wednesday that that Tropicana Evansville could potentially spend $100 million on a new facility if allowed to move from its Ohio River dock. The Evansville Courier & Press reports city officials expect a $600,000 decline in tax revenues from Tropicana for next year. Pence said he has “no interest” in expanding gambling in Indiana but wants to keep the status quo. Many Indiana casinos have sought permission for in-land sites for several years amid greater competition from surrounding states, but haven't been successful in the General Assembly.
