INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Senate has narrowly approved a bill that
would allow bars and taverns to offer pull tabs and other low-stakes gambling.

Tavern owners have argued they should be able to offer the games, which are already allowed at charitable fraternal organizations or clubs.

The Senate voted 26-21 for the bill, which had already cleared the House. The bill is expected to go next to a conference committee.

Besides fees for licenses to offer the games, excise taxes on the ticket sales also would be collected. Lawmakers have estimated that if the bill becomes law, it would generate between $5 and 25 million in annual tax revenue.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)