Gambling opponents gear up for legislative fight in Indiana

Monday, July 17, 2000 | 4:12 a.m.

The coalition in its eight years has never before raised money or had an employee, said state coordinator John Wolf of Valparaiso. It is soliciting donations from the approximately 1,000 people on its mailing list. The coalition board meets Wednesday to decide on a budget.

"Now is the time. The state is going to go one way or another next January," Wolf said.

The Casino Association of Indiana wants to eliminate the cruise requirement for Indiana's casino boats, said Wolf, a retired United Methodist minister. If the riverboats don't have cruises, customers could come and go at will, as has been the case in Illinois for the last year.

Some Indiana riverboats say they need the change to stay competitive with Illinois casinos.

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