Indiana's Casinos Hope To Weather Economic Storm

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) -- Indiana's gambling industry hopes to
weather the economic downtown.

Ball State University economist Michael Hicks says he doubts the recent downturn will last long enough to put any of Indiana's casinos out of business.

Indiana now has 13 gambling sites, including slot machines at the state's two pari-mutuel horse racing tracks.

Hicks says gamblers may be less likely to risk large amounts of money on slot machines or table games if they have lost a lot of money in the stock market or in retirement funds.

Casino Association of Indiana president Mike Smith says casinos are working to attract visitors with more than just gambling. For example, the French Lick Resort Casino offers golf and a spa.