Indiana could soon become the first state to ban sweepstakes this year, now that HB 1052 has been approved by both House and Senate, sending the proposal to Governor Mike Braun (pictured) for a signature.
Three days ago we reported how the proposal had passed a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions, and yesterday the consolidated bill passed floor votes in both chambers – 68-21 in the House and 46-4 in the Senate.
The 41-page omnibus bill contains changes to Indiana law in the areas of:
- horse racing
- the sale of tobacco and alcohol
- sports betting
But most importantly for sweepstakes operators and players, it also recommends fines of up to $100,000 for those running “sweepstakes games” with a “dual-currency or multi-currency system of payment allowing a player to exchange currency for: (A) a cash prize, a cash award, or cash equivalents; or (B) a chance to win a cash prize”.
The bill also contains wording pointing to an implementation date of July 1, 2026, meaning sweeps operators could potentially have around only four months left in IN. The vast majority of sweeps brands currently operate in the Hoosier State, so a mass exodus is on the cards – some major brands have already announced their exits.
If Governor Braun signs, Indiana will join states like California and New York in outlawing dual‑currency sweepstakes casinos, with the ban and six‑figure penalties set to take effect relatively quickly.
Author: Mike F.
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