Casino parking lot.

[Beatlesfan]

Here in Indiana it is illegal to carry a weapon on a "riverboat gaming vessel" regardless of a person being licensed to carry. I just so happen to work at one. My question is whether or not I can leave it in my car. The casino is located in a very bad neighborhood. The parking lot is open to the public, meaning that anyone could just walk in there if they wanted (no gates or posted security).

 

[Kind of Blued]

Do you know EXACTLY what the law says outside of the part you quoted?

I'm not a lawyer, and even if one comes along, do not take legal advice from the internet, but taking a look at the law (copied from a legitimate source) is the only way to develop a (halfway decent) opinion.

If you ever end up in court, for anything, you're gonna get a "funny feeling" when you start 'splainin' why it's ok that you did what you did 'cause the guy on the internet said it was ok and stuff.

 

[Beatlesfan]

The following is all that is said regarding Riverboat Casinos:

Places Off Limits Even With A Permit/License

• In or On School Property.
• On A School Bus.
• In or On Property That Is Being Used By a School for a School Function.
• Private School (IC 20-9.1-1-3) & (IC 35-41-1-24.7).
• Head Start (IC 35-41-1-24.7
• Preschool (IC 35-41-1-24.7).
• IC 35-47-9-1 Allows the carry of firearms by persons permitted to possess and who are transporting a
person to or from school or a school function.
• On an Aircraft.
• Controlled Access Areas Of An Airport
• During Annual State Fair 80 IAC 4-4-4 (Must lock in Vehicle.)
• Shipping Port 130 IAC 4-1-8 (Controlled by the Indiana Port Commission)
• A Riverboat Casino.
68 IAC 1-7-1 Weapons on the Riverboat
(d) The riverboat licensee shall provide a secure place to which patrons do not have access to store weapons checked by patrons, off duty law enforcement officers, or off duty federal enforcement officers.

No individual other than an enforcement agent shall carry a weapon on board the riverboat. A law enforcement officer or
a federal enforcement officer:
(1) whose sole purpose for being on the riverboat is the performance of official duties; and
(2) who has advised the enforcement agent or the commission that the officer will be on board the riverboat;
shall be allowed to carry a weapon on board the riverboat.
(c) The riverboat licensee shall post a sign in a prominent place at the point of passenger ingress stating, "No weapons are
allowed beyond this point. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the immediate removal from the riverboat, immediate
detention by security personnel, the imposition of civil penalties, or exclusion under IC 4-33.".
(d) The riverboat licensee shall provide a secure place to which patrons do not have access to store weapons checked by:
(1) patrons;
(2) off duty law enforcement officers; or
(3) off duty federal enforcement officers.
(e) Security personnel may carry a weapon on board the riverboat during times that patrons are not present.

 

[charliewood]

i never knew you couldnt carry at the horseshoe! i thought/think it would have been prudent to do so with the expectation of others knowing you have money going in and if you're lucky, money going out. guess i wont go there anymore

 

[NavyLCDR]

Here in Indiana it is illegal to carry a weapon on a "riverboat gaming vessel" regardless of a person being licensed to carry. I just so happen to work at one. My question is whether or not I can leave it in my car. The casino is located in a very bad neighborhood. The parking lot is open to the public, meaning that anyone could just walk in there if they wanted (no gates or posted security).

Are you talking about carrying as a customer or as an employee? Carrying as a customer seems pretty black and white in the state law:

(c) The riverboat licensee shall post a sign in a prominent place at the point of passenger ingress stating, "No weapons are allowed beyond this point. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the immediate removal from the riverboat, immediate detention by security personnel, the imposition of civil penalties, or exclusion under IC 4-33.".

Don't carry past the sign.

As an employee, you are subject to the terms of your employment as specified in your contract or employee manual.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

Beatlesfan, I have probably gambled at the riverboat docked in Evansville a time or two. It is indeed a VERY bad part of town to be in. I used the parking deck way up top and then endured a boarding wait with a crowd as they keep track of how many are on board the gambling barge/ship.

I did my trip on a rather cold night with a bit of bad weather thinking that not too many people will be outside harrasing you to and from the dock master's holding area so it worked out for me without any weapons.

We have other casinos that are more supportive of gambling but dont engage in that activity much anymore. Used to be that Indian Lands were useful and friendlier than some other states that would simply take your money.

 

[Beatlesfan]

I'm simply wondering if I can leave the gun in my car in the parking lot. I didn't sign anything stating I wouldn't. I believe that the right to have it in a public parking lot is protected by law, but would it be different because of the casino? The parking lot, I believe, is owned by the city, not the casino. So it should be legal right?

 

[KevinAbbeyTech]

I would chose not to work there if I couldn't carry.

I realize that may not be an option, but it sounds like a dangerous occupation.

 

[NavyLCDR]

I'm simply wondering if I can leave the gun in my car in the parking lot. I didn't sign anything stating I wouldn't. I believe that the right to have it in a public parking lot is protected by law, but would it be different because of the casino? The parking lot, I believe, is owned by the city, not the casino. So it should be legal right?

Even if the parking lot is the property of the casino, I see nothing in the statutes that makes it illegal to store your gun in your car, or to carry your gun up to the sign, assuming you are legal in all the other "normal" places.

 

[Beatlesfan]

Thanks very much for the replies guys. I investigated and it looks like it is perfectly legal to keep it in the car once I get my permit. Still waiting on that...

 

[saltydog452]

I shouldn't, but I do. Not on the gaming floor, but while in-transit from the parking lot to my room, I'm strapped.

A gun is safer on my hip that in a glove compartment or trunk. Rooms are more secure these days and gaming areas have LOTS of cameras.

If you wanna go trashin' around the strip with a wad of cash and a load of booze, I wouldn't.

I imagine its kinda like tom-cat'n around in a border town...not advisable.

I hope my comments are taken in the spirit that they were intended.

salty