Josh Bain, a Republican City-Council member representing southwest Indianapolis, publicly rejected a proposal to expand gaming in Indiana. The proposal would allow video gaming terminals (VGTs) and e-pull tabs in restaurants, bars, and truck stops.
“This proposal threatens the quality of life for families in my district by turning community gathering places into de facto casinos, where gambling could replace family-friendly activities. These changes risk increased addiction, underage gambling, and the erosion of our neighborhoods", Bain said.
Representatives Christopher Judy, Steve Artels, and Justin Moed introduced HB 1290 into the House in January 2024 to expand locations where VGTs can operate in Indiana and impose a 30% tax on adjusted gross receipts. While this bill died in the Committee on Public Policy, a VGT expansion across the state is still under discussion.
“I urge members of the Indiana General Assembly to reject this harmful expansion,” Bain commented. “We must protect our communities and keep our local spaces safe for families. The last thing we need is casino-style gaming invading places where we should be fostering connection and community. Let's keep Indiana’s communities strong and say no to this unnecessary expansion.
Indiana gaming industry going strong
Even without the potential VGT expansion, the gaming industry is thriving in the Hoosier State. Sports bettors generated the largest sports betting handle in state history in October, with online and retail operators seeing $537.9 million in bets, surpassing the previous high in November 2023. That number was also a 25.2% increase in betting handle year-on-year.
That record didn’t last long, with this November's sports betting handle hitting $614.3 million, more than $100 million above the previous year. Significantly, November's sports betting revenues also jumped, reaching $68.5 million compared to $35 million in October. The sports betting handle sat at around 11% for this record-breaking month.
However, it hasn’t all been good news for Indiana, with the Indiana Gaming Commission hitting BetMGM and Fanatics with fines in June for letting players on the self-exclusion list place bets. Both sportsbooks paid $2,500 fines.
VGTs another contested form of gaming expansion
VGTs aren’t the only type of gaming that attracted lawmakers' attention this year. For example, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board struggled with skill games for most of 2024, and PA lawmakers are considering legalizing these games in the 2025 state budget.
