Indiana Again Considers Online Casino Gambling

As predicted, the new year is already filled with activity from U.S. states that are showing interest in passing iGaming (online casino) legislation. Last week, it was Wyoming that reported the submission of iGaming legislation. This week both Massachusetts and Indiana are chiming in. Let's take a look at the goings on in the Hoosier state.

Igaming Legislation Coming in Indiana

With Indiana's 2025 legislative session set to begin on January 21, several House Representatives and State Senators are speaking about proposed legislation that is expected to be presented to congressional members in the coming days. One of the House members, Ehan Manning has stated he will be taking the lead regarding iGaming legislation. He has announced the submission of HB1432.

HB1432 would establish some of the key guidelines for the legalization of online casinos and lottery play. Here are some of the key points included in this bill:

• Retail casino operators and race tracks would be given the right to apply for online casino licenses


• The initial licensing fee would be set at $500,000 and allow for up to three (3) skins per licensed operator


• The Indiana Gambling Commission would be charged with serving as the state's iGaming regulatory body


• The first-year tax rate on revenue would be set at 26%


• Subsequent year tax rates would be determined on a sliding scale, ranging from 22% to 30% based on adjusted gross receipts (AGR)
  

Indiana's 4th Try at iGaming Legalization

The presentation of iGaming legislation is not new in Indiana. This will be the state's 4th try in five years to get this over the finish line. It's noteworthy that legislators have been inching ever so closely with each iteration.

The first three attempts came in consecutive years from 2021 to 2023. Nothing was formally introduced last year due to personnel issues regarding former Rep. Sean Eberhart, who ended up pleading guilty to gambling-related corruption charges. With that in the past, it's clear that Rep. Manning is ready to lead a new charge toward the legalization of online casinos.

With new Indiana Governor Mike Braun leaning toward supporting iGaming legislation, It's possible something could get done by early summer. If that were to happen, Manning is set to propose a launch date of September 1, 2025. That would be predicated on the passing of the bill by the House and Senate, the bill being presented to the Governor's desk for signature by no later than July 1, 2025.

Currently, there are only seven (7) states where online casino gambling is legal. That includes:

• Connecticut


• Delaware


• Michigan


• New Jersey


• Pennsylvania


• West Virginia
  

The fact that each of these states has benefitted greatly from iGaming tax revenue has inspired as many as six (6) other states to take some kind of action. For Indiana residents, they are hoping now is the state's time to move forward and allow them to play online casino games from home legally.