Once upon a time there were three riverboats. And the three riverboats paid two kinds of taxes: wagering and admissions. One of the riverboats also paid the city it was in extra money through a development agreement.

Time passed and changes were made in the taxes and the agreements. One of the changes created something called “held harmless,” for admissions tax revenue changes.

That “held harmless” money as well as the existing wagering tax disbursement and amounts all could change, as well as seeing an expansion of gambling, with current legislation winding through the Indiana General Assembly.

Despite the efforts of Sen. Johnny Nugent, R-Lawrenceburg, Senate Bill 528 passed the Indiana Senate 32-18 Monday night, Feb. 25. The bill now heads to the House.