iGaming and casino relocation legislation fails to pass through Indiana House

House bill 1432, which would have legalized online lottery and casino gambling in Indiana, failed to reach the House floor after not being heard by a finance-focus committee prior to a deadline.

Following a chamber-swapping deadline held by the Indiana General Assembly, over 900 pieces of legislation will not be considered by the state’s House of Representatives, including those that would have legalized iGaming and relocated Rising Star Casino Resort. 

Full House Resorts stated revenues at Rising Star Casino Resort have “plummeted” as Ohio and Kentucky continue to relax gambling laws, with key lawmakers expressing interest in a move over the interim. 

Public Policy Committee Chair Sen. Ron Alting pulled the proposal after listening to around 20 opponents, however, stating that he had no plans to hold a vote over the legislation, as anti-relocation witnesses fear gambling addictions could form in smaller communities. 

Legislation to “identify the top three regions in the state” for a license relocation is continuing to progress, including Senate bill 43 which would require regulators to present findings to the State Budget Committee by October 2025.

House bill 1432, proposing the legalization of both online lotteries and casino gambling, easily advanced from a subject-matter committee during January 2025, only to not be heard by a finance-focused committee before an enforced deadline.

Good to know: The Indiana Gaming Commission published its sports betting results for the month of January on February 13, including a $538.7m handle for the period

House Speaker Todd Huston stated that it has been difficult to find a consensus on the “complex” legislation, despite advocates arguing that residents are already playing illegal versions of these games. 

Opponents testified that expanding gambling would increase the likelihood of more people getting “hooked” and developing addictions, even in spite of some provisions establishing an improved program for responsible gambling and gambling addiction help.

Kirk Geller

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