Indiana legislators proceed to reshape the state’s gaming framework as two separate proposals transfer via the legislative course of. One invoice focuses on land-based casino improvement and licensing, whereas one other targets on-line sweepstakes-style gaming platforms. Both measures have progressed after amendments and votes, although additional selections stay pending earlier than any closing end result.
Licensing Structure And Location Debate
House Bill 1038 moved ahead after the Senate Appropriations Committee accepted a revised model by an 8-5 vote. The proposal now advances to the total Senate for extra debate. The amended draft authorizes improvement of a brand new on line casino in northeast Indiana whereas permitting the Rising Star Casino in southeastern Indiana to stay operational.
Lawmakers adjusted the unique idea considerably. Instead of relocating an current on line casino license, the revised plan converts one unused off-track betting license held by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission right into a on line casino license overseen by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The second unused racing-related license can be eradicated. Supporters argue the method prevents a rise within the statewide variety of gaming licenses.
Senate Appropriations Chair Ryan Mishler emphasised the significance of cautious placement. “This is a highly regulated industry, and it’s not free-market,” Mishler mentioned, as reported by Indiana Capital Chronicle. He additionally described on line casino licenses as “state assets” that require deliberate siting to keep away from monetary disruption throughout the broader gaming ecosystem.
The amended proposal permits any U.S.-based on line casino operator to use for the brand new license. Legislators additionally shifted the applying deadline ahead from Dec. 1 to Nov. 1 to offer regulators further analysis time. The license would carry a $150 million price, with $50 million allotted over 5 years to a distressed on line casino fund supposed to help communities affected by potential on line casino closures.
Applicants would wish to commit at the very least $500 million in capital funding. If a on line casino had been to close down completely somewhat than change possession, the license would finish as an alternative of changing into obtainable for reassignment elsewhere.
Debate continues round potential on line casino places. The revised invoice excludes Wayne County and doesn’t embody Marion County, regardless of its tourism potential. Mishler mentioned the selections relate partly to compensation funds that could be owed to current casinos experiencing income losses because of new competitors. Northeast Indiana, he defined, faces aggressive strain primarily from neighboring Michigan amenities.
Some lawmakers have challenged these exclusions. Senator Aaron Freeman questioned the rationale, saying: “If the goal of our gaming system is not maximum revenue to the state of Indiana, I want somebody to help me with what the goal of our gaming system is — and why we would exclude two counties.” He additionally acknowledged, “You could make enough money in Marion County with tourism to keep the horsemen in Anderson, Shelbyville … All I wanted to do is have an open conversation, and we should allow free market capitalism to work, but that’s not what we’re doing here today.”
Earlier drafts included an non-compulsory native referendum requirement, however the newest modification eliminated that language. County commissioners would nonetheless must approve any on line casino improvement. Senator Liz Brown expressed concern that residents may lose a direct voice within the determination, whereas House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta mentioned the shortage of a referendum “stands out.”
House Speaker Todd Huston described the amended invoice as “a pretty good compromise” and highlighted the distressed on line casino fund as a safeguard for communities depending on gaming income. Huston added: “Rising Sun will be able to continue to operate as they’re operating today.”
Separate Bill Targets Sweepstakes Casinos
At the identical time, lawmakers have superior House Bill 1052, which addresses on-line sweepstakes-style on line casino platforms. The Senate accepted an amended model by a 37-8 vote and returned it to the House for concurrence earlier than the legislative session ends February 27.
If enacted, the measure would prohibit sweepstakes casinos from working inside Indiana and empower the Indiana Gaming Commission to impose civil penalties of as much as $100,000 per violation. The guidelines would apply each to in-state operators and corporations providing companies to Indiana residents from exterior the state.
Indiana at present doesn’t allow regulated real-money on-line casinos. A sweepstakes ban would take away one of many few on-line alternate options obtainable to residents. Some analysts recommend this might redirect some exercise towards offshore operators past state oversight.
