Is Online Casino Gambling Coming to Indiana? Study Suggests Voters Opposed
- 03 Nov 2025
- Gambling News
Before the General Assembly adjourned for its 2025 lawmaking session earlier this year, Indiana's legislation to allow online casinos gained headway.
House Bill 1432, which was introduced in January by Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Cass) of Indiana, would have permitted up to three iGaming platforms—online casinos that include interactive table games and digital slots—to be operated by the state's commercial casinos. Online sports betting is already available in Indiana.
Given that the House Public Policy Committee is chaired by a Republican, it should come as no surprise that Manning's measure passed the committee with ease. However, when the iGaming statute reached the entire House floor, it halted. The House Ways and Means Committee was then tasked with reviewing the statute.
Representatives cosponsored HB1432. Steve Bartels (R-Crawford), Justin Moed (D-Marion), and Cory Criswell (R-Hancock).
Are Hoosiers Interested in iGaming?
The majority of Indiana residents oppose online casinos, according to a recent survey conducted by a trade organization dedicated to preventing the future growth of legal iGaming in the US.
To measure support for iGaming in the Hoosier State, the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) enlisted the help of Pantheon Insight, a data solutions company that specializes in polling and qualitative analysis, usually for Republican campaigns. According to the survey, Hoosiers' support for expanding gaming decreases as their knowledge of iGaming increases.
"These results make it clear: once Hoosiers understand what iGambling really is, they reject it, across every region, party, and demographic,” declared NAAiG Board Member Daniel Reinhard, an attorney and lobbyist with Calfee who has represented Jack Entertainment, an NAAiG member, in its iGaming opposition.
After learning about the alleged negative effects that internet casinos have had on the economies and mental health of the seven states where iGaming is already legal, Pantheon researchers discovered that nearly seven out of ten (67%) Indiana voters are against iGaming.
“Our survey didn’t just test opposition messages. It tested the industry’s own best arguments. Even then, Indiana voters see through the hype. They don’t want casino gambling on their phones,” Reinhard claimed.
According to the NAAiG, iGaming steals games from real casinos, which lowers tax receipts, stifles local economic growth, and results in job losses. According to the lobbying group, the negative effects occur while iGaming promotes financial problems and problem gambling.
The Cordish Companies, Churchill Downs, and Jack Entertainment are the main members of the NAAiG. Churchill is the only company with a property at the Terre Haute Casino Resort in Indiana.
Support for iGaming
Supporters of iGaming refute the NAAiG's allegations, arguing that iGaming enhances physical casinos. They cite jurisdictions like New Jersey, where revenue from heritage casinos has increased, albeit somewhat, but revenue from iGaming has increased dramatically.
Up to September, online slots and interactive table games in New Jersey, the state with the highest income from iGaming out of the seven legal markets, generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of over $2.12 billion. Compared to the same nine months last year, that indicates a 22.7% gain.
$2.2 billion was made from the actual slots and tables at the nine Atlantic City casinos. That was a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
Howard Glaser, the head of Light & Wonder's government affairs, stated that iGaming is a net benefit in an interview this year.
"We are primarily a land-based company; our numbers will show you this, but as a public company, we answer to our shareholders and investors. We’re for growth. In markets where iGaming is legal, it’s been complementary [to brick-and-mortar],” Glaser told Casino.org.
“They can reinforce each other and spur growth,” Glaser added.
