Amidst the ongoing expansion of online gambling in the US, Indiana is one of the five states to keep tabs on for potentially legalizing online casinos.
HB 1536 is the bill introduced by state Rep. Ethan Manning that brings much-needed optimism as Indiana’s third attempt to legalize virtual gambling.
If passed, this new legislation would solidify Hoosier State’s position as a top-tier destination for online gamblers with around-the-clock access to casino classics like slot machines, poker, and live dealer games. Regardless of the outcome in 2023, it’s already clear that Indiana is actively making strides toward becoming a go-to place for legal online gaming and betting.
HB 1536 To Make Another Swing At Passage
Indiana is taking another swing at bringing online casinos to Indiana with House Bill 1536, which proposes the legalization of both online casinos, lottery ticket sales, and poker platforms. In 2022 similar legislation failed to receive a hearing in the Public Policy Committee of the House. This year, however, it might have a better chance of advancing as House Speaker
Todd Huston appointed Ethan Manning to chair that committee which would hold significant influence over the bill’s progress. Alongside this, there are also plans to advance responsible gaming measures to avoid any abuse of the system. Sen. Jon Ford has played an essential role in this initiative.
As president of the National Council of Legislators from the Gaming States, he was key in helping legalize sports betting in Indiana previously, and his experience may be pivotal for helping pass this new bill too.
Online Casino Are Vying to Establish Their Presence in This State
There is no doubt that if Indiana legalizes online casinos, many well-known sportsbook brands will be eager to tap into the market. This could bring a plethora of advantages for Hoosier State bettors, such as BetMGM Casino, BetRivers Casino, Caesars Casino, DraftKings Casino, and FanDuel Casino.
Adding to the ever-growing list of potential online casinos in Indiana, Golden Nugget Casino, and Bally Bet Casino could potentially join the fray should they secure beneficial deals. HB1536 enables Indian land-based casinos and race tracks that offer casino gaming (“racinos”) to provide internet casino games.
Each gambling den can team up with a maximum of three organizations. Acquiring a license will cost each casino $500K as well as an annual fee worth $50K for renewal fees every year.
Great Possibility of Live Dealer Games in Indiana’s Online Casino
It is looking promising that live dealer games could be included in Indiana’s online casino offerings. A study was conducted by the Pennsylvania-based Spectrum Gaming Group LLC at the request of the Indiana Gaming Commission to project what its online gambling could potentially look like.
The findings were consistent with industry standards, suggesting many Slot and Table games as well as those table games with an option for a live dealer. This could spell good news for Hoosier state residents looking for jobs because the introduction of these live dealer games would bring even more employment opportunities. As of now, it is uncertain if this will occur, but one can hope that a more vibrant online casino experience awaits Indiana citizens.
Live Dealer Studios That Might Come To Indiana
With the prospect of new legislation allowing for live games in Indiana, studios such as Evolution AB and Playtech could certainly bring many job opportunities to the State. For example, the 2,000 people employed by Evolution around the world are mostly dealers, and in New Jersey alone they employ hundreds of live dealers for two projects – Golden Nugget and Hard Rock Atlantic City operations.
According to a Spectrum study, Evolution representatives stated that their company can offer up to 800 gaming jobs in Indiana. Similarly, Playtech’s partnership with Parx Casino operator Greenwood Racing presents a further potential for expansion into Michigan, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. All of this points to the possibility of many more job creation opportunities shortly.
