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Mitch Daniels, the governor of Indiana, voiced his opinion about the case of Grand Victoria Casino Resort, which banned blackjack player Thomas P. Donovan for card counting, in a speech addressed to the graduating students of Franklin College. The governor suggested that Thomas P. Donovan might win back his right to play at the casino that banned him.
In the legal battle between Donovan and the casino following his ban, the casino had emerged victorious till the card counter challenged the court’s ruling. Currently, the Supreme Court is trying to decide if the management of the casino has the right to ban the card counter.
Underlining the fact that blackjack is a game of fortune, the governor appreciated the fact that Donovan had spent time and efforts to perfect card counting. Advising the students to learn the same lesson, he explained that, although the element of luck cannot be wrested out of the “game of life,” the odds can be tipped in one’s favor by making some wise choices.
The governor’s speech suggests that he will not force the Indiana gaming commission to introduce specific card counting laws; simultaneously, he has made it clear that he will not discourage the commission from doing so.
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