Indiana lawmakers have sent legislation banning sweepstakes casinos to Governor Mike Braun, positioning the state to join a growing list of jurisdictions moving against the sector.
Both chambers adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 1052, clearing the final hurdle before it reaches the governor’s desk. If Braun signs the bill, the prohibition would take effect July 1, making Indiana the seventh state to enact such a measure and the first this year to complete legislative approval of a sweepstakes ban.
A conference committee met earlier this week to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions. Lawmakers made limited revisions before advancing the compromise proposal.
Earlier in the session, the House approved the measure 86-12. The Senate passed its version 37-8, attaching an amendment tied to tobacco and electronic cigarette wholesalers. In subsequent action on the conference report, the Senate voted 46-4, while the House approved it 68-21.
Scope of House Bill 1052
Sponsored by Rep. Ethan Manning, HB 1052 targets online sweepstakes platforms that rely on dual-currency or multi-currency payment systems. The final version incorporated language explicitly referencing “multi-currency.”
The legislation bars operators from running online sweepstakes that allow players to exchange real money for cash or equivalent prizes. It applies to casino-style offerings such as slots and table games, along with lottery-style products and online sports betting conducted under sweepstakes models.
Exceptions include games operated by the State Lottery Commission and peer-to-peer skill-based poker contests.
The omnibus measure also addresses license revocation under the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and sets updated rules for beer and wine sales statewide.
Enforcement and Penalties
HB 1052 does not classify sweepstakes operations as criminal offenses. Amendments removed criminal penalties. Instead, the measure authorizes a civil fine of $100,000 per violation, applicable to individuals or operators. Affiliates or suppliers connected to sweepstakes platforms are not penalized.
The Indiana Gaming Commission would oversee enforcement and hold authority to impose the civil penalty. Previously, the regulator indicated it could not issue cease-and-desist letters to online sweepstakes casinos “in good faith” because it did not view the platforms as violating existing state law. Lawmakers framed the statutory ban as a step that would allow the commission to act.
National Context
Indiana’s action follows a broader national push. Last year, six states enacted sweepstakes prohibitions, including California, Connecticut, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey and New York. Louisiana lawmakers also passed a bill, though Governor Jeff Landry vetoed it, citing existing regulatory powers. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board later issued 40 cease-and-desist letters to illegal operators, including sweepstakes casinos.
Other states continue pursuing similar measures. Mississippi’s Senate approvedSB 2104 after a prior attempt stalled. Maine’s Joint Committee advanced LD 2007 to the Senate floor, while Tennessee’s SB 2136 and Iowa’s SF 2289 moved through committees. Maryland has four active bills, including one scheduled for a March 11 Senate hearing.
Indiana now awaits Braun’s decision on HB 1052, which, if signed, would take effect July 1.
Source:
“Indiana legislature sends sweepstakes casino ban to Governor Braun”, igamingbusiness.com, February 27, 2026
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