Councilman seeks more casinos

Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

GARY, Ind. -- City Council President Roy Pratt says northwest Indiana needs more casinos to boost tax revenues, including one dedicated to providing property tax relief in Lake and Porter counties.

The area currently has five casino boats -- two in Gary and one each in East Chicago, Hammond and Michigan City.

Pratt delivered his proposal in a letter to legislators on Wednesday. Legislators said they were surprised by Pratt's request and believe dockside gambling will be focused on during this legislative session.

"It's highly unlikely we can expect anything but dockside gaming to pass and that chance is remote," Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, told the Post-Tribune. "It's a nice thought, but I don't think it will pass."

Pratt said the location is ideal because it could "spur development of a hotel, factory outlet stores, restaurants and other businesses."

He also said the timing would be good because of the bankrupt steel companies leaving Gary, East Chicago and Burns Harbor.