Indiana approves amended sports betting bill

Lawmakers in Indiana have approved an amended sports betting bill that allows for regulated wagering on professional and college sporting events. House Bill 1015 (HB 1015) opens the door for both in-person and mobile wagering at or through the state’s casinos and horse race tracks.
The bill is now headed to the desk of Indiana Governor Eric Holcolmb for final approval. Supporters of the bill, including its main sponsor Sen. Jon Ford expect quick approval. In a statement to LegalSportsReport.com, Ford said, “He will be good with the bill. He told me, if we get it to him, he will sign it.”
Under the terms of the bill, the Indiana Gambling Commission would be immediately authorized to begin crafting regulations and setting up an application process for qualified operators. Under the terms of the bill, operators would be taxed 9.5 percent on gross revenue and would pay a $100,000 application fee and an annual payment of $50,000 to maintain their licenses. Sports betting will be allowed in all of the state’s current casinos and horse race tracks.
Earlier versions of the bill did not include mobile wagering options, but that option was added back in for this version and found enough support to move forward.
Opponents of mobile wagering, including Rep. Ben Smaltz argue that mobile wagering for sports betting opens a Pandora’s box of trouble. “This is a monumental policy shift, and this is the beginning. I’m not excited about having sports wagering in my community anywhere,” he said, “I’m really not excited about what happens in six years or less, when there’s new people here and somebody comes and says isn’t it silly we can bet on a football game but I can’t play blackjack or roulette on my phone?”
Indiana is now the ninth US State to approve a regulated sports betting bill with several others in the works.