Indiana Bans Sweepstakes Casinos but Keeps Poker Rooms

Indiana has become the first state this year to ban sweepstakes casinos. Governor Mike Braun signed a bill into law last week prohibiting the operators from doing business in the state. However, HB1052 noted that “peer-to-peer skill-based poker games” are excluded from the ban. As a result, popular operators like Global Poker, ClubWPT Gold, and Clubs Poker remain an option for Indiana poker players.

Lawmakers in both chambers of the legislature passed the bill in February with overwhelming majorities voting in favor of passage. The Indiana Gaming Commission was given the authority to impose civil penalties up to $100,000 on sweeps operators that continue operating in Indiana. The ban describes a dual or multi-currency model as the defining characteristic of sweepstakes casinos.

Sweepstakes operators argue their platforms are more akin to traditional mobile gaming. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) has proposed a regulatory framework that includes strict age verification, data privacy, and responsible gaming protections. SGLA managing director Sean Ostrow believes that despite the Indiana legislation getting signed into law, some lawmakers are starting to agree there could be another way to approach the issue.