IN: Legalization of iGaming Not Approved; Hope Remains for 2023
The Indiana General Assembly (IGA) concluded its 2022 legislative session on Wednesday March 9th. As of that date, legislation legalizing iGaming was not approved.
Legislation requiring that the state Lottery receive specific legislative approval for the sale of digital representations of scratch off games (but not draw games) did pass both chambers. Also included in that bill was language prohibiting the entry of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) or Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) into the Indiana market without specific legislative approval.
Once signed by the Speaker of the House, the President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Lt. Governor, the Governor has seven days within which he could veto the bill before it becomes law. As of today, the bill has been signed only by the Speaker of the House. Because the Lottery is a quasi-governmental agency, the concept of a veto is not out of the question. We will continue to monitor this situation.
While it’s disappointing that igaming did not pass this session, the restriction on iLottery and VGTs will likely help our efforts going into 2023.
In addition, our team forged stronger legislative relationships and champions for iGaming. Conversations with key legislators have already begun, and lobbying opportunities for one-on-one discussions with leadership and various key legislators will begin immediately upon the conclusion of the 2022 session.
Should the delay on iLottery remain in statute, a major opportunity will present itself in the 2023 session to lobby alongside a quasi-state agency for the legalization of online gaming as a whole. These discussions will begin now with strong momentum to be built throughout the interim