Indiana is one step closer to authorizing a ban on online sweepstakes games after an omnibus piece of legislation was passed by the state’s legislative chambers.
House Bill 1052, a bill sponsored by Rep. Ethan Manning, was approved by the Indiana House and Senate after the two chambers adopted a Conference Committee Report.
The Senate approved the report by a 46-4 vote, while the House passed it with a 68-21 vote. A conference committee was needed amid amendments made to the piece of legislation.
The amendments included adding the language of “multi-currency” as HB 1052 bans online sweepstakes that use a dual-currency or multi-currency system of payment.
What could a sweepstakes ban look like in Indiana?
HB 1052 prohibits the operation of dual-currency and multi-currency online sweepstakes that allow players to exchange real money for a chance to win cash or an equivalent prize.
The bill is aimed at prohibiting online sweepstakes operators from offering casino-style games that include slots and table games, lottery games and online sports betting.
The measure does provide an exception for games offered by the State Lottery Commission and peer-to-peer skill-based poker games.
Penalties for online sweepstakes games in Indiana
Manning’s piece of legislation does not criminalize the operation of sweepstakes games, a rule that was included in the amendments. However, offenders are subject to a civil penalty of $100,000.
The penalty can be levied against an individual or an operator. The piece of legislation does not provide sanctions for affiliate or supplier partners of online sweepstakes casinos.
HB 1052 provides the Indiana Gaming Commission with the responsibility of imposing the civil penalty for violating the ban. The regulator previously said that it believed it could not issue cease-and-desist letters to online sweepstakes casinos “in good faith” as it considered the platforms to not be in violation of state law. However, the commission said that a legislative ban would allow it to take enforcement action against online sweepstakes.
HB 1052 will now head to Gov. Mike Braun’s desk for consideration. If signed, the omnibus bill would take effect on July 1. In addition to proposing an online sweepstakes ban, the piece of legislation also implements new conditions for license revocation and prohibited bettors with the Indiana Horse Racing Commission.
It also adds new rules for beer and wine sales throughout Indiana.
Indiana could add to recent sweeps casino bans in the US
Last May, Montana emerged as the first U.S. market to sign into a law a ban on online sweepstakes casinos. The legislative action in Montana spurred a series of bans, with governors in California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York signing pieces of legislation that prohibit the delivery of dual-currency systems and sweepstakes casinos.
In 2026, lawmakers in other states are also considering measures that ban the offerings. Maine and Maryland are considering a ban, while Virginia pushed its efforts to next year.
