In Indiana, state Senator Jon Ford and state Rep. Ethan Manning announced they will file a bill allowing casinos in the state to offer online versions of poker, slots and table games by September 1, 2023.
The measure also authorizes the Hoosier Lottery to expand its operations. This will be the fourth time the lawmakers have filed an iGaming bill; last year their measure failed in committee.
Under the legislation, each Indiana casino could partner with up to three different brands. Casinos would pay $500,000 for an online gaming license, renewable annually for $50,000.
Revenue from online gambling would be taxed at 18 percent, with 3.33 percent going to the Addiction Services Fund. In addition, the Hoosier Lottery would be able to offer internet versions of its games. Analysts said online gambling could generate about $1 billion in annual revenue.
Observers said several roadblocks that prevented Ford and Manning’s bill from passing no longer exist, including the Spectacle Entertainment scandal and issues related to Covid-19.
They note Indiana quickly passed online sports betting soon after it was legalized; Governor Eric Holcomb signed legislation in May 2019 and the first bets were placed in September. Still, the online casino gambling measure is expected to go through several rounds of debate in the state legislature.
