Online Poker in Indiana Predicted to Gain Momentum by 2025:Could the Timing Be Right at Last?
Hot prospects for legal online poker in Indiana
It's about time Indiana stepping up its game in the realm of online gaming, with the long-awaited regulation of online poker looking more promising than ever. The Indiana House Committee on Public Policy held a hearing on HB 1432, a bill drafted to legalize and regulate igaming in the state, and gave it the green light, paving the way for this bill to bypass its initial hurdle.
Even though HB 1432 still has a multitude of obstacles to overcome, it appears that the steam is gathering on the side of legalizing online poker and other igaming activities in Indiana, making it possible for it to become the ninth state with regulated online poker.
Rep. Ethan Manning, the driving force behind the bill, emphasizes that nowadays, Indiana residents are already gambling online without any regulation, but instead through offshore, unregulated sites. HB 1432 aims to change this by creating a secure and legal environment that benefits the players, as well as the state.
Indiana – A Beacon for US Online Poker Growth
In accordance with the proposed legislation, Indiana's land-based casinos, including racinos and riverboats, would be authorized to obtain an igaming license for a $500,000 fee. What's more significant, the language of the bill incorporates the possibility of Indiana joining the MSIGA, or a different multi-state compact.
If the regulation comes into effect, Indiana would transform into the fourth-largest regulated market, housing a population of seven million people. While large enough to stand on its own, it would unquestionably be a major addition to the burgeoning network of regulated states within the MSIGA (currently comprising PA, MI, NV, and NJ).
Assuming everything proceeds smoothly and HB 1432 surmounts all regulatory hurdles, the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) would commence accepting and reviewing license applications on July 1, with the ultimate goal of launching the market at the beginning of September.
A Step Forward, but Many Hurdles Await
There's been a consistent push to regulate online poker and gambling in Indiana for quite some time, but this is the first time a proposed bill managed to escape committee and leap onto the House floor, where it will face a vote on February 20.
The final step would be passing the Senate, which must happen before the Indiana General Assembly adjourns on April 29. Despite the narrow time frame, things seem promising, particularly given the fact that the bill passed the committee with a 9-2 vote.
The main concern expressed by one of the committee members who voted against the bill revolved around responsible gaming and the potential growth of gambling's appeal among teenagers. Indiana is one of eight US states to have introduced igaming bills in 2025, and while HB 1432 still faces significant barriers, it is the most likely candidate to receive the necessary approval this year and create another regulated market in the country.
Since Indiana's bill already incorporates provisions for multi-state compacts, it's quite plausible that the state would be keen to join the MSIGA early on, causing great excitement for all fans of online poker in the US.
Given past experiences, it's best to contain the excitement for now, but it's heartening to see that, at least, one new state is moving in the right direction, and US online poker may receive some good news in the coming months.
Note: Although some sources suggest that HB 1432 has failed to receive a Senate Committee hearing, curbing enthusiasm might not be warranted. As of the latest updates, the bill is still in the process of being scheduled for a Senate hearing.
[1] SourceOne
[5] SourceTwo
- The prospect of legalizing online poker in Indiana is gaining momentum, as HB 1432, a bill aimed at regulating igaming, has made it past the House Public Policy Committee.
- If enacted, Indiana could become a member of the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement), potentially transforming into the fourth-largest regulated online poker market in the US.
- Land-based casinos in Indiana, such as racinos and riverboats, would be authorized to obtain an igaming license, provided they meet certain criteria and pay a $500,000 fee.
- Indiana is one of eight states that have introduced igaming bills in 2025, making it a significant contender for creating another regulated online poker market in the country.
- As HB 1432 progresses through the legislative process, including a Senate hearing and final vote, fans of online poker in the US look forward to potential growth in the industry, but remain cautious given past experiences.
