Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has to sign the HB 1536 online gaming expansion bill first for the state's regulators to join compacts such as the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Some of its supporters held two unsuccessful iGaming campaigns in the state a year ago. But, one of the Indiana House of Representatives' key lawmakers, Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) has introduced a new bill that will allow casino gaming and online poker by September 1.
The proposed legislation will give the state the green light to offer multi-state online poker. Some gaming analysts claim that Indiana is the next most likely state to expand its gambling industry. Besides, its bookmakers have performed well since the launch of online sports gambling in September 2019.
So, the Hoosier State might start offering regulated online poker soon, and the seventh state with iGaming. Manning filed HB 1536 before January 12, 2023. It was later read and submitted to the House Committee on Public Policy whose meetings haven't been scheduled yet.
How Much Would Indiana Tax Online Poker and Casino Gaming?
HB 1536 states that Indiana's 12 brick-and-mortar casinos, which include racinos and riverboats will be granted three iGaming online skins. It urges the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) to start receiving online casino license applications from July 1 and launch the market on September 1.
The Hoosier State would tax online poker and iGaming at a 20 percent rate, with each operator paying a $500,000 licensing fee and $50,000 annual renewals. Also, the bill would permit them to reduce $10 million each year from taxable revenue for bets players place using promo credits.
Spectrum Gaming Group released a report in September 2022 which the IGC commissioned. It showed that Indiana would rake in $55 million in gaming tax revenue in the first year of its casino's operation if they pay a 20 percent tax. The figure will increase to $121 million in the second year, and $164 million in the third year thus having a total of $341 million in the first three years.
The IGC will have the authority to monitor iGaming, racetracks, and riverboat casinos. The gaming expansion bill asks the IGV to create emergency rules within two months.
More Details About Indiana Joining Multi-State Online Poker Compacts
HB 1536 allows the IGC to join an interactive gaming agreement with any jurisdiction's or state's regulatory agency that permits an operator to receive bets from players residing outside Indiana. Still, local players can wager with parties to such compacts if the governor approves them or if they contravene federal law.
It increases Indiana's chances of joining MSIGA which comprises Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, and Nevada. Some gambling analysts state that Indiana's online gaming industry is smaller than that of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. But it is bigger than that of West Virginia, Delaware and Connecticut.
Indiana has 6.8 million people and it's the 17th most populous state in the United States. So, it has to join MSIGA for its online poker sector to grow.
Manning has slightly over a month for the House of Representatives to pass his bill as House rules set a February 27 deadline for all bills to be read thrice. Yet, bills from the Senate have up to February 28 to move to the House.
