Indiana Gov. Braun Signs Anti-Sweepstakes Bill
Hoosier State joins the growing list of markets where sweeps operators are no longer welcome
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Indiana became the latest state to ban sweepstakes casinos Thursday after Gov. Mike Braun signed HB 1052 into law.
Rep. Ethan Manning’s bill was sent to the governor’s office on March 5, which started a seven-day clock on whether Braun could sign or veto the bill. The legislation also would have become law without his signature after seven days.
HB 1052 had passed by overwhelming margins in both chambers after being reconciled in conference committee. Legislators there agreed on language specific to sweeps operators to focus on “dual-currency” or “multi-currency” systems and authorized the Indiana Gaming Commission’s power to send cease-and-desist letters.
The bill furthers momentum that anti-sweeps legislators created nationwide in 2025 when six states passed bills banning sweeps. Large-market states New York, New Jersey, and California were among them, though there is now a bill in the New Jersey General Assembly that could lead to replacing that ban by amending legislation and regulating the sweeps industry.
The SGLA hopes to work toward regulation
Despite another marketplace being closed off, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) expressed hope its industry could still operate in the Hoosier State. The group had proposed regulations it claimed could generate $20 million in new annual revenue for Indiana.
“We are disappointed that HB 1052 has become law, but are grateful to the many Indiana lawmakers who engaged thoughtfully on the merits of regulating this long-standing industry,” said Managing Director Sean Ostrow in a statement released Thursday night. “Despite the outcome, the legislative record shows meaningful bipartisan support for a smarter approach that embraces innovation and economic growth.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Indiana lawmakers on a regulatory framework for digital entertainment that protects the hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers that enjoy Social Plus games, while generating tens of millions in annual tax revenue.”
The passage of HB 1052 may serve as a precursor for another debate to legalize online casino gaming in Indiana during the next legislative session. Manning has authored bills for multiple sessions previously, including HB 1078 this year, but he stripped the iGaming portion of the legislation to try and move online lottery forward. That bill was eventually withdrawn.
