The online casino industry might not experience a dramatic change this year, but there is optimism that lawmakers in several states will keep discussing the potential approval of online casinos.
Currently, seven states — Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia — permit internet casinos, with no new states joining them in 2024.
Some experts believe that up to six states, including Indiana, could consider iGaming legislation this year.
Indiana Online Casinos Could Generate Billions
Indiana is one of the states where stakeholders recently researched iGaming.
Last year, Spectrum Gaming Group and the Indiana Gaming Commission released a study that estimated that Indiana's iGaming could generate $2 billion in revenue during its first three years.
The report is an updated version of a similar study put out in 2022, and it suggests that, under average conditions with various tax rates, Indiana might earn between $413 million and $929 million in the first three years of legalization.
This is about 5% higher than the original 2022 prediction.
Indiana hosts 13 commercial casinos, one tribal casino, and two racetracks with casinos ("racinos"). The recent history of Indiana gaming revenues shows an upward trend.
Online Casinos Good For The Environment?
In November, the Indiana Environmental Reporter joined the supporters by publishing an article praising online casino gaming as environmentally friendly.
The report explained that "online gaming offers a modern solution. Instead of driving to a casino, people can simply log in from home, eliminating cars and emissions." The publication calls casinos "energy hogs" and highlights that pollution begins when customers drive to a casino.
Moratorium On Casino-Related Legislation
For the moment, all of this lobbying for online casinos in Industry is for naught. That’s because, although industry advocates have tried for several years to legalize i-gaming, federal investigations and scandals involving lawmakers, bribes and campaign finances have clouded the debate.
Indiana paused all casino-related legislation in 2024 after former state Rep. Sean Eberhart pled guilty to federal corruption charges tied to the major gaming bill passed in 2019.
Eberhart admitted he accepted a promise of a lucrative job from Spectacle Entertainment in return for his support of the 2019 legislation. This bill prominently featured sports betting and allowed Spectacle Entertainment to relocate two riverboat casinos to more favorable inland sites.
New Governor Could Re-Open The Discussion
Some people say it's unclear if the moratorium will extend into 2025. However, with Indiana's new governor, Mike Braun, taking office, there's a possibility he'll be open to re-opening the discussions.
According to a report by Hannah News Service, Braun has shown a willingness to expand and doesn't seem to have any concerns about integrating the Hoosier Lottery and casinos into everyday life.
According to a report by Hannah News Service, during his campaign, Braun "expressed an openness to expansion and seems to have no philosophical concerns about bringing the Hoosier Lottery and casinos into the living room couch of every Hoosier."
The abundance of new data concerning iGaming allows stakeholders, lawmakers and other major decisions in the Hoosier State to have comprehensive discussions on regulated iGaming.
Even if we don’t see a new iGaming bill in Indiana in 2025, the groundwork appears to have been laid for the future.
In the meantime, since real money online gambling is not legal in the state yet, residents can opt for sweepstakes casinos. They provide an online gaming solution for players in the Hoosier State, from blackjack to slots and poker gaming on sites like Hello Millions, McLuck Casino, High 5 Casino, and WOW Vegas.
If you do try one of these sites, remember to set limits and gamble responsibly.
