Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with legislation on gambling, even as past controversies involving the gaming industry loom large over the Statehouse. Just six months after former Rep. Sean Eberhart was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a gambling-related corruption case, proposals to expand casino and online gaming are advancing through the Legislature.
Republican House Speaker Todd Huston acknowledged the lingering impact of Eberhart’s conviction but defended lawmakers’ decision to continue discussions on gaming expansion. “We just can’t stand still … Like any industry that is an important component of our state, there should be continual discussions about what ends up happening,” Huston said, as per Indiana Capital Chronicle.
This week, a House committee approved a bill legalizing online lottery and casino gambling, a measure that could generate revenue for both casinos and the state. Another bill allowing electronic pull tabs in taverns and charitable organizations also moved forward.
Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray expressed caution regarding the state’s approach to gambling expansion. “Obviously, gaming is a big industry in the state of Indiana … a challenging industry, but an industry that’s very helpful to the state of Indiana,” Bray said.
However, he stated that financial incentives should not drive policy decisions. “I don’t think it’s good policy to chase revenue. I think you have to decide what the right policy is and then maybe the revenue comes,” he added.
Not all gaming-related proposals are advancing smoothly. A Senate bill that would relocate a casino license faced strong opposition, prompting its author to withdraw it before a committee vote. The decision followed hours of testimony from residents, business leaders, and public officials who were sharply divided over the potential economic and social impact of the move.
Indiana initially explored online gambling legislation in 2023 but paused efforts following the high-profile corruption scandal involving former State Representative Sean Eberhart.
Eberhart was charged with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud after accepting a bribe from Spectacle Gaming. The scheme involved reducing licensing fees for Spectacle in exchange for a lucrative position at the company. Eberhart pleaded guilty in late 2023 and was sentenced to over a year in prison.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/03/93657-indiana-lawmakers-weigh-gambling-expansion-proposals-advance-through-the-legislature
