In determining whether to grant an operating agent contract to an applicant, the commission shall consider the following:

1. (1) The character, reputation, experience, and financial integrity of the following:

   1. (A) The applicant.

   2. (B) A person that:

      1. (i) directly or indirectly controls the applicant; or
      2. (ii) is directly or indirectly controlled by the applicant or by a person that directly or indirectly controls the applicant.
2. (2) The facilities or proposed facilities for the conduct of riverboat gambling in a historic hotel district. The applicant must submit to the commission a proposed design of the riverboat.
3. (3) The highest prospective total revenue to be collected by the state from the conduct of riverboat gambling.
4. (4) The good faith affirmative action plan of each applicant to recruit, train, and upgrade minorities in all employment classifications.
5. (5) The financial ability of the applicant to purchase and maintain adequate liability and casualty insurance.
6. (6) Whether the applicant has adequate capitalization to operate a riverboat for the duration of the contract.

7. (7) The extent to which the applicant provides assurances that the applicant will participate in the funding of:

   1. (A) specific economic development programs; or

   2. (B) infrastructure improvements;

      in the county where the riverboat is located.

8. (8) The extent to which the applicant exceeds or meets other standards adopted by the commission.

As added by P.L.92-2003, SEC.31.