Indiana Representative Ethan Manning has introduced House Bill (HB) 1052, which could prohibit sweepstakes casinos utilizing dual-currency payment systems and simulating casino-style games, lottery games, bingo and sports betting.
Manning formally introduced HB1052 on December 5, which also proposes new changes to Indiana law concerning horse racing, responsible gaming and online sweepstakes. The legislation received its first hearing and was referred to the state's Committee on Public Policy.
While the penalty for operators found to be in violation of HB1052 includes a civil penalty of $100,000, the legislation fails to provide language as to whether criminal action would be carried out for suppliers or affiliates of sweepstakes casinos.
The Indiana lawmaker is also seeking to include licensed sports betting operators in the state's voluntary exclusion program, which currently bans participants from entering all gambling establishments.
On December 8, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) responded to New York's ban on sweepstakes and social plus games, describing Governor Kathy Hochul's decision as "rushed" while citing the potential loss of "significant" financial contributions.
"Players, operators and voters all made their position clear; they didn't want a ban on this popular, safe form of entertainment," SGLA Executive Director Jeff Duncan said.
"Governor Hochul had the opportunity to protect consumer choice and New York's economic interests. Instead, she chose a short-sighted path, closing the door on choice, innovation and hundreds of millions in economic activity."
States such as Maine and Florida are also considering anti-sweepstakes legislation, potentially joining California, Connecticut, Montana, Nevada and New Jersey in outlawing the gaming type.
The SGLA responded to the introduction of House Bill 591 in Florida on December 3, which seeks to prohibit the operation of social games and sweepstakes casinos throughout the state
