Indiana charitable gaming could get a boost in 2025 as the new legislative session has already seen two bills to expand the selection of permissible games. A proposal in the House seeks to include “contest-based” raffles, which award prizes based on the results of a specific event, including horse sports. Meanwhile, a Senate bill looks to add electronic pull-tab devices in addition to paper ones.
However, the proposals might face an uphill battle as Indiana’s General Assembly has been hesitant to address anything gambling-related, including online casinos, since a casino corruption scandal involving a former lawmaker in 2023.
Contest-based raffles will include events like horse racing
House Bill 1043 (HB 1043), introduced by Rep. Mark Genda and co-sponsored by Rep. Ethan Manning, proposed amendments to the Indiana Code regarding gaming by including contest-based raffles as a permitted charitable gaming option. The bill defines a contest-based raffle as the “selling of tickets or chances to win a prize award based on the result of a specific event or contest, including a sport horse competition.” It also defines a sport horse competition, including the number of horses used and the type of event.
While it doesn’t limit the number of tickets available for contest-based raffles, HB 1043 states it must correspond to the number of contestants in each event. Also, ticket purchasers can choose the event for their ticket, but the ticket number must be randomly assigned.
The bill’s first step is the House Committee on Public Policy. If the General Assembly approves it, it will take effect on July 1, 2025.
Senate bill wants to add electronic pull tabs
Senate Bill 209 (SB 209), introduced by state Sen. Kyle Walker, also seeks to amend the Indiana Code. His proposal includes electronic pull-tab devices in addition to paper pull tabs. The initiative has gained support from a coalition of Indiana veterans groups. Last year, the coalition advocated for the change to modernize charity gaming and attract younger participants.
SB 209 defines an electronic pull tab as a “unique electronic pull tab game with a unique form number and the same unique serial number.” It also outlines specific regulations for the devices, including the number of devices allowed per location:
- Up to five devices are allowed in facilities or locations with an occupancy limit of 99 or fewer individuals.
- Facilities or locations with an occupancy limit between 100 and 250 individuals can have up to seven devices.
- Facilities with a limit of 250 or more individuals can operate up to 10 electronic pull-tab devices.
A notable rule of SB209 is that establishments that want electronic pull-tab devices must also offer paper pull-tabs. The proposal has been referred to the Senate Committee on Public Policy. If the General Assembly approves it, it will take effect July 1, 2025.
Could there be an online casino proposal in 2025?
There were once high hopes for the legalization of online casinos in Indiana. However, the 2023 effort, introduced by HB 1043’s co-sponsor Ethan Manning, died early due to what some called “fiscal note poisoning.”
There was no iGaming proposal in 2024 due to a political scandal involving former Rep. Sean Eberhart. In November 2023, Eberhart pleaded guilty to corruption charges regarding dealings with one of the state’s retail casino operators. After his guilty plea, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston made it clear that they would not entertain any gambling expansion proposals in 2024 due to the negative impact on the industry’s role in the political process.
Still, as Eberhart received a sentence of one year plus a day in prison and a $25,000 fine last July and elections have passed, online casinos could once again become a topic of conversation. However, potential proposals are running out of time. The deadline to file a bill is January 14 in the House and January 16 in the Senate.
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