Gary — Mayor Rudy Clay and the owner of Gary’s two riverboat casinos, Don Barden, urged lawmakers on Monday to allow the boat licenses to be moved to create a single, land-based casino near the intersection of I-65 and I-80/94.

Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said it’s about “location, location, location.”

Clay said both the city and state are in economic “crisis” and need the expanded revenue.

Owners of other Lake County riverboat casinos, however, argued their businesses would be hurt.

The panel will make a decision later this year on whether to recommend legislation that would allow the switch. Supporters argue that it would increase revenues and help the state compete with surrounding states.

Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, doubted it would spur economic development