Midweek News Roundup: Indiana Sweeps Ban In Effect Beginning July 1

Sweepstakes casinos will become officially illegal in Indiana on July 1. Gov. Mike Braun (pictured above) has signed HB 1052, which bans casino-style games that utilize a dual-currency system.

The first anti-sweeps law to go into effect this year, HB 1052 mostly tweaks existing laws to apply to sweeps, with new language that classifies them as being offered online, with a dual-currency system, and replicating a casino experience.

Indiana Lottery and certain peer-to-peer poker games are exempted.

The new law imposes a fine — to be levied by the Indiana Gaming Commission — of $100,000 for either operators or an “individual who knowingly uses the Internet to conduct a sweepstakes game.”

Alberta stampedes toward online casino debut

Online casino gambling will launch in Alberta on July 13, according to an update provided by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission website.

The date coincides with the AGLC deadline for unlicensed operators to vacate.

Louisiana House bill: Sweeps casinos are racketeering

Louisiana HB 53, which would categorize operating a sweepstakes casino as racketeering — under current law that’s punishable with up to 50 years in prison — passed through the House this week and will soon receive a second reading by the Senate.

The bill includes other provisions that outlaw the bribing of athletes, operating sweepstakes devices, gambling in public, and cockfight wagering.

It’s unclear how or if the bill would affect sports betting in Louisiana. Mobile wagering was legalized in 55 of 64 parishes in 2020, making gambling readily available on phones.

Bally’s Chicago set for 2027 opening by Chicago River

Construction of the $1.7 billion Bally’s Chicago casino is cleared to begin with a permit having been issued for the venue set to open in 2027 along the Chicago River.

The seven-story venue, designed by HKS Architects, is scheduled to feature around 3,000 slots, 173 table games, and multiple VIP lounges. The casino is designed to connect to the lower riverbank with a 2,000-foot extension of the pedestrian walkway that will extend south from W. Chicago Ave.

Bally’s Chicago will also include a 500-room hotel and 3,000-seat theater.

Penn, Birches Health announce partnership

Hollywood Casino and theScore Bet will integrate new specialized responsible gambling content into their mobile platforms as part of a pact announced on Tuesday between Penn Entertainment and Birches Health.

According to a release, the new content will be personalized to bettors’ wagering activity and will include problem gambling assessments and treatment referrals.

Birches has similar partnerships with BetFlow, Delaware North, Sportradar, and WagerWire.

DraftKings’ new sports of kings app

DraftKings has begun migrating its pari-mutuel horse racing app, DK Horse, into its self-described “super app” as part of a plan to present customers with every legal option available in their given jurisdiction all in one place.

The consolidated app is already available in states including Delaware, Florida, New Mexico, and Rhode Island.

Pop-up casino keeps Bally’s compliant

Bally’s Corp. has opened a makeshift casino of 16 slot machines in a construction trailer on the former site of the Tropicana so it can maintain its gambling license as it redevelops the property.

The Tropicana venue was razed in October 2024, and with the completion of redevelopment of the valuable Strip property still far off, Bally’s must maintain wagering operations there somehow. The resort/casino property is eventually scheduled to include a new ballpark for the Las Vegas Athletics in 2028.

Some remain skeptical: