Bettors in Indiana are hoping they can place legal wagers on the National Football League’s September 5 kickoff game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. Indiana Gaming Commission Executive Director Sara Gonso Tait recently said the commission hopes to launch legalized sports betting by September 1 but “it is a tall order and there are many factors outside of our control. We are making no promises. It is a goal we are striving to reach,” Tait said.
She explained the IGC must create the regulatory framework, then review and approve applications. Then the new license holders have to line up their platform vendors and train staff members.
Tait said sports betting may start with in-person wagering at casinos, horse racetracks and off-track betting parlors, followed by online and mobile betting.
License applications and emergency rules currently are being drafted for approval, Tait said. The new law allows a casino or racino operator to apply for a license starting July 1. Bettors must be at least age 21 and located in Indiana, which will be confirmed by geofencing technology. Bets may not be placed on high school or youth sports and in-play wagering will be allowed if permitted by the commission. Sports betting revenue will be taxed a 9.5 percent.
Sports betting licenses will cost $100,000 for gaming venues and their vendors, with annual renewal fees of $50,000. Data companies will be licensed $10,000. Analysts said the state will receive $1.6 million in the first year, then $800,000 annually starting in fiscal year 2021. Sportsbook revenue will be taxed at 9.5 percent and generate $11.5 million per year for Indiana.
Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 23, a subsidiary of the national Unite Here service workers union, submitted a letter to the IGC stating the casino industry is changing without consistent and fair input from all employees. Unite Here Local 23 President Marlene Patrick-Cooper wrote, “Our members report that some regional properties still need significant repair and improvements and that staffing levels remain at bare-bones levels. More of the same will not sustain our industry.”
In addition, the commissioners heard testimony from Kate O’Neil, research director for Unite Here, and Shelby Wood, a food service employee at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino in Shelbyville. Wood said she and other employees work under exhausting and unfair conditions, including short-staffed teams force to work long hours. “We know that these jobs can be better. I know Caesar’s can make these jobs better because they are doing it at other properties.” O’Neil added the IGC must determine whether Indiana’s current and future casino operators have the state’s best interests at heart.
Commission Chairman Mike McMains assured the pair the commission will take their concerns into consideration moving forward.
