New legislation in Indiana has ended efforts to legalize online gambling in the state, which includes lotteries and casino games.
When initially introduced, House Bill 1432 passed through the House Public Policy Committee. Still, it failed to ascend to the Ways and Means Committee, where it would have been reviewed and potentially elevated to presidential consideration.
Todd Huston, a House Speaker, confirmed the bill did not advance to be financially reviewed and is effectively tabled for now. The legislation was described as complicated, with multiple factors involving varying industry interests, where compromises would have to be made; this is part of the decision for it not passing through.
More than one casino operator opposed the proposed legislation due to the lack of support among the Indiana gaming industry’s key stakeholders. The bill’s main proposition was to expand the state’s gaming industry by allowing casinos to operate online platforms as tightly regulated as their land-based equivalents.
House Bill 1432 also seemed to include online lottery options for the Hoosier Lottery, giving residents legal ways of playing online. Supporters of the bill spoke in favor, arguing that unregulated online sources were already in the state and that this bill could regulate (and tax) these activities, providing safety for consumers and profit for the Government.
Another reason the legislation was tabled comes down to cannibalization concerns, for which a consensus could not be reached. This is because of the potential risk of loss of revenue for land-based casinos and physical lottery tickets that going online could facilitate. The opposition may note the possible reduced foot traffic of brick-and-mortar establishments, but also a supposed increase in the fears of addiction, making it easier than ever to play without having your home.
If the legislation had been successful, Indiana would have joined the ranks of 14 other states offering digital lottery options. However, this has not been the case, and it is currently unknown when legal representatives in Indiana will reopen the discussion of online gambling.
In other news, Churchill Downs closes sports betting premises.
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