Legal lottery and casino games could come to your smartphone as soon as September.
A proposal authorizing interactive gambling — known as iGaming — advanced Tuesday throught the House Public Policy Committee on a 9-2 vote, following more than three hours of discussion.
“What is the future of gaming policy in Indiana?” Author Rep. Ethan Manning, R-Logansport, asked, while introducing his legislation. “How can we leverage the assets we already have, take advantage of new opportunities, benefit the most people and also, at the same time, protect some of our most vulnerable?”
Indiana could earn millions more off legalized i-gaming than previously estimated, report says
Manning estimated that the digital lottery and casinos games, coupled with sports wagering tax hikes, could bring the state of Indiana more than $300 million in new revenue. An official estimate, via an updated fiscal analysis, is on its way after the committee agreed to five substantial amendments.
Indiana would join 14 other states with digital lottery games, including Kentucky, Illinois and Michigan.
House Bill 1432 would tax iGaming licensees at 26% until July 2026. Then, it would impose graduated rates ranging from 22%-30%, depending on the licensee’s income. Only casinos and horse tracks would be eligible to get the licenses.
As amended, the proposal would let the Indiana Gaming Commission begin accepting iGaming license applications upon its passage. iGaming itself would go live on Sept. 1, 2025.
The legislation also establishes a new program for responsible gambling and gambling addictions. Where Indiana’s past efforts have focused heavily on awareness campaigns, the new program could also fund treatment and research.
Licensees would pay for its work through annual fees of $250,000. If the fund empties out, the commission could invoice licensees monthly, based on market share. Each licensee’s aggregate contributions to the fund would be capped at $2 million annually.
Lawmakers have long wanted to legalize iGaming. Recent attempts were stymied by corruption convictions involving former legislators.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
NHL Picks: Thursday, January 30 + Player Awards Odds | Hockey Gambling Podcast (Ep. 427) [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjIc54aM4Uk[/embed][embed]https:
Sports bettors in North Carolina could be facing an unexpected tax bill in April.Now a group of state lawmakers want to change that. House Bill 14, introduced W
Bruno Mars. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SelvaRey Bruno Mars may not have any gambling debts — but he does have jokes. Th