INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Don't count on hearing the word “expansion'' much when Indiana lawmakers consider changes to the gambling industry during next year's legislative session.

Lawmakers examining the issue last week said they would like to find ways to help the state's ailing gambling industry. But they want to be able to explain why those changes aren't an expansion.

The deference to Republican Governor Mike Pence is clear. Pence has said he will not support any expansion of gambling in the state, but he has left the door open for lawmakers by declining to say what he considers an expansion.

Industry leaders facing competition from neighboring states have long pushed to bring Indiana's riverboat casinos on land and add table games such as blackjack and poker to the two horse-racing tracks.