Indiana state representative Ethan Manning filed HB 1052, which proposes banning online sweepstakes gambling in the state. The bill would define sweepstakes through dual-currency features and impose a $100 fine for each qualifying violation, according to the report.
Operators offering dual-currency sweepstakes in Indiana could face a proposed per-transaction fine if the bill becomes law.
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Illinois House Gaming Committee chairman Daniel Didech filed HB 5143 to repeal the state's $0.25 and $0.50 sports-wagering surcharges, and HB 5142 to classify specified prediction-market activity as sports wagering. The report says the surcharge raised $62.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2025-26, while the state recorded about 27.6 million fewer bets over four months.
Kentucky Representative Matt Lehman filed House Bill 39 to address computer-assisted wagering at the state’s horse-racing tracks. The proposal would require pari-mutuel pools to offer equal terms and prohibit preferential pricing, rebates, access, information, technology or other advantages for particular bettors.
Iowa and Indiana will bring laws restricting sweepstakes casino operations into effect on 1 July, according to the article. Iowa's law authorises the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to issue cease-and-desist letters, while Indiana's law allows civil penalties of up to $100,000 for knowingly offering prohibited games to residents. Several operators have begun restricting access in the states, reportedly.
Indiana lawmakers have passed a bill to ban online sweepstakes games and include sportsbooks in the state’s voluntary exclusion programme. The available report does not state the bill’s status beyond passage by lawmakers.
ARB Interactive co-founder and CEO Patrick Fechtmeyer urged Indiana lawmakers to regulate and tax sweepstakes gaming rather than ban it, according to his remarks reported on 18 February. He said a framework proposed with the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance would register operators, charge a fee and apply sales tax to virtual currency purchases; the group estimates the model could generate more than $20 million annually for the state.