Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb recently announced he supports the Hoosier Lottery’s proposal to offer online games or ticket sales.
“We’re going to continue to look at all the innovations that come out and connect with consumers,” he said. “Obviously, demand oftentimes drives the day. We want to make sure we do it in a responsible way.”
Casino Association of Indiana President and CEO Matt Bell agreed, saying, “We think it’s an important part, potentially, of our future. We’ve seen states be very successful with it.”
According to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Hoosier Lottery officials have been in talks with a private vendor about online games and tickets. A lottery spokesman commented, “Changes in consumer behavior are driving many organizations like ours to identify new and innovative ways to provide options to today’s customers. While no formal action has been taken, for the past few years, we have been researching innovations in the industry including potential changes to the way our games are played.”
But some lawmakers are urging caution against proceeding too quickly with online lottery sales. A Senate committee added an amendment to a tax bill, HB 1002, that would require the legislature’s approval before the Hoosier Lottery could offer online games.
House Speaker Todd Huston said, “I’m a lot more anxious to give people back their money than to collect it. And I just said I’d like to know the compelling reason why now.” House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta said, “We’ve been vetting gaming issues for a long time, especially with the new technology and things that come up. This is really no different.”
Casino and convenience store representatives cite the 1989 lottery law in objecting to online lottery sales, although that law was written in 1989, before the widespread use of cellphones. “We have our concerns. Our members sell the vast majority of lottery tickets,” said Scot Imus, executive director of the Indiana Food and Fuel Association.
