Indiana committee approves new igaming bill
Indiana’s House of Representatives Public Policy Committee has approved House Bill 1432, put forward by Representative Ethan Manning.
The bill, which aims to legalize igaming in the state, was approved by a vote of 9-2-2. If the House and Senate approve the bill, igaming will launch in September 2025.
The legislation also details who will be eligible for an online gaming license, including a licensed owner of a riverboat, an operating agent operating a riverboat in a historic hotel district, and a permit holder conducting gambling games at the permit holder’s racetrack.
Under a new tax structure introduced by HB 1432, igaming operators would be taxed 26% until July 2026, when a new tiered tax rate would begin.
Manning’s proposed legislation would also change the state’s problem gaming fund. Each of the 13 casinos in operation in the Hoosier State would begin to contribute a minimum of US$250,000 annually to the gaming fund, while the Hoosier Lottery would contribute US$500,000.
Committee members also approved raising the online sports betting tax from 9% to 20%.
Regarding the bill’s approval by the House of Representatives Public Policy Committee, Jeremy Kudon, President of the Sports Betting Alliance, said, “This enthusiastic vote is a huge step forward for regulated igaming in Indiana. As many discussed at today’s hearing, igaming is already happening across the state – just through unregulated platforms that dodge consumer protection laws and advertise to minors.
“Indiana can follow the lead of Michigan and Pennsylvania by creating a transparent, regulated marketplace with real, legally enforceable consumer protections – all while generating real revenue to help the state solve problems.”
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